PAROL OF HOPE. Persons deprived of liberty work on the double to complete the 1,500 parols for mounting in Iloilo City’s major thoroughfares. These parols will be lit simultaneously on Dec. 1, 2024, said Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo chapter president Fulbert Woo in an interview on Monday (Nov. 11, 2024). (Photo courtesy of Iloilo City District Jail Male Dorm)
ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City shines brighter this Yuletide season, with 1,500 star-shaped giant lanterns (parols) lighting up major thoroughfares to welcome the happiest time of the year.
Now in its 6th year, the annual Christmas Parol of Hope is a collaboration between the Iloilo City government and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo chapter.
Article continues after this advertisementFrom last year’s rainbow colors, the chamber decided that yellow and green be the dominant colors with an accent of red in the center, said PCCI president Fulbert Woo in an interview on Monday.
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“Hopefully, there would be more sponsors for the parol because the more parols we put on our streets, the brighter will be this Christmas. The brightness of our streets during Christmas will not only show the Christmas spirit but also give hope, a brighter future for Iloilo,” he said. The six-foot diameter lanterns will be lit on Dec. 1 at the Festive Mall.
Article continues after this advertisementPCCI tapped the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) inside the Iloilo City district jail in Barangay Ungka, Jaro district, to fabricate the lanterns.
Article continues after this advertisementHe said they would be paid P2,500 for every lantern they made. Minus the cost of materials, all the proceeds are theirs.
Article continues after this advertisementLawyer Junivem Rey Umadhay, spokesperson for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas, said PDLs are tapped to make these lanterns every year.
Usually, 20 or more PDLs are involved in the activity, but the number is growing every year as other PDLs are also encouraged to join.
Article continues after this advertisement“They are welcome. Every year, our jails have skills development training, so more PDLS are getting involved in parol-making,” he said. The lanterns are mounted with the help of the Iloilo City Engineer’s Office, which also provides lighting. (PNA)
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