South Cotabato, Philippines — The Provincial Government of South Cotabato officially opened the Christmas season on December 1 with a ceremonial lighting at the Provincial Capitol grounds, unveiling a festive display entirely handcrafted by the Office of the Provincial General Services Officer (OPGSO) in partnership with local artist Ronito R. Subaldo of McBaldz Artworks.
The annual event, part of the “Pasko sa Kapitolyo 2025: Liwanag ng Pasko” celebration, drew residents and visitors who gathered to witness the transformation of the Capitol façade into a holiday landmark glowing with warm, white lights and intricate décor.
What makes this year’s display remarkable is its 100% handcrafted design, created through weeks of manual work by the OPGSO team. According to Provincial General Services Officer Anna Rose Kasan, the team used a blend of recycled lighting materials and newly built structural pieces to create an installation that is both sustainable and visually striking.
“This year’s decorations are a true labor of love,” Kasan said. “Our team poured their creativity and dedication into every detail. By using recycled lights and crafting new components by hand, we wanted to create a display that reflects both resourcefulness and festive spirit.”
Local artist Ronito Subaldo also played a central role in conceptualizing and assembling the designs. Known for his craftsmanship and large-scale art installations, Subaldo guided the overall aesthetic to ensure the display showcased South Cotabato’s cultural artistry while maintaining a modern holiday look.
Visitors strolling along Alunan Avenue can now enjoy illuminated arches, handcrafted lanterns, and decorative formations built from repurposed materials—proof of what Kasan describes as “the creativity and ingenuity of the provincial workforce.”
The lighting ceremony also featured live performances and a Christmas bazaar showcasing local products, but the highlight remained the glowing display itself, which will stay open to the public throughout the holiday season.
With its focus on sustainability, local talent, and handcrafted artistry, this year’s lighting ceremony reinforces South Cotabato’s tradition of celebrating Christmas with both creativity and community pride.
