PAMPANGA SOON TO BE CHRISTMAS CAPITAL OF THE PH

By LEX MANALO

THE House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a measure declaring the province of Pampanga as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines.

A total of 250 lawmakers unanimously approved House Bill 6933 principally authored by Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales Jr.

In Pampanga, lantern making is a craft.

HB 6933 seeks to declare Pampanga as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines in recognition of its grand and famous Christmas traditions and the excellent craftsmanship of its lantern-making artisans who have significantly contributed to the robustness of the local economy and the promotion of the province as a cultural tourism destination.”

Under the proposed law, the Department of Tourism is directed to include and feature the province as the country’s Christmas Capital in its national and regional promotion programs.

Gonzales  expressed his gratitude to House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez and his colleagues for the bill’s approval.

The Pampanga solon expressed hope that the senators would similarly pass his bill once it is sent to the Upper House.

“This proposed law will further promote our province as a cultural and Christmas tourism destination. It will boost our local economy, which will mean more income and job opportunities for our Kabalens and residents of neighboring areas,” Gonzales said.

According to Gonzales, as early as this month, craftsmen in the province have already started making and selling Christmas lanterns and related products.