Once war-torn Lanao del Norte town lights up Christmas symbols

Residents enjoy the spectacle of lights at the town hall and plaza of once war-torn Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. The lighted symbols were unveiled on Dec. 1. /PHOTOS BY RICHEL V. UMEL

KAUSWAGAN, Lanao del Norte––Christian and Muslim residents of this once war-torn town were treated Wednesday evening to a spectacle of lights as the local government unveiled its Christmas symbols display at the town hall and plaza.

The switch-on happened around 8:30 p.m.

Mayor Rommel Arnado said he hoped the lighted symbols would inspire people to find hope in everyday efforts to fight and survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a symbol of hope and strength. Thus, we celebrate life together and thank God that we survive the hardships and trials and eventually recover as one community,” Arnado added.

He urged the town residents to continue observing the prescribed health protocols so that there would be no more COVID-19 infections, noting that there have been no new cases in the past 10 days.

Residents enjoy the spectacle of lights at the town hall and plaza of once war-torn Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte. The lighted symbols were unveiled on Dec. 1. /PHOTOS BY RICHEL V. UMEL

This way, according to Arnado, the local economy could fully reopen and recover, restoring the livelihood of people.

During the unveiling rites, which included a fireworks display, only people with vaccination cards were allowed entry into the town plaza.

Arnado hoped that the town would achieve herd immunity by the end of the year.

On Thursday, the local government set the distribution of rice and groceries as Christmas gifts to residents.

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