The local government here lighted an 88-foot Christmas tree on Friday night, officially opening its month-long Paskuhan Festival, bringing vibrant colors and vibes to this city known as Mindanao’s ‘Little Hong Kong’ that ignites local tourism.
Along with the Christmas tree lighting was the opening of the dancing fountain and a pyromusical show in a multi-venue synchronized fireworks display, and the first drone show in the city.
Councilor Lance Co said that they upgraded the event this year from ‘plain celebration to a festival since festivals are ways of attracting investors, and it’s a part of the marketing strategy in creating bigger opportunities in the city.’ On December 1, the city unveiled its ‘Food STreat’ fair, where food stalls lined up along the city’s Pajares Avenue, highlighting different delicacies prepared by 68 Pagadian-based micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
The city government closed a portion of Pajares Avenue, beside the city plaza, to provide an area for these stalls and spaces for tables and chairs where locals and visitors could enjoy the food offerings.
‘We have required these stall owners and their workers undergo food safety and food handling seminars, to ensure that the food they serve are safe for all,’ Co said.
Apart from Christmas merrymaking, the festival will also feature activities for the New Year’s countdown. Its tailend will connect to the city’s 2026 Pasalamat Festival in January.
Hazel Lu, president of the Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (PZCCIFI) told the Inquirer that the Paskuhan Festival in is expected to draw more visitors this year, ‘and this will translate to an increase in economic activity which will benefit the community.’ /jpv