The Angeles City Government is kicking off its annual inter-office Christmas decoration contest with a team of esteemed evaluators tasked with shortlisting and judging the best holiday displays. The panel includes Cecile Yumul, a renowned broadcaster and environmentalist; Riza Lozano from the Clark International Airport Corp.’s Corporate Responsibility Affairs Office; and Kiara Coleen Salalila from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Angeles City. Their role is to assess the creativity, effort, and sustainability of the holiday decorations displayed by various offices across the city.
The contest offers substantial cash prizes as an incentive for offices to showcase their holiday spirit. The office with the best Christmas display will receive a grand prize of ₱100,000. Second place will be awarded ₱60,000, while the third-place winner will take home ₱40,000. As a gesture of encouragement, ₱15,000 will be given as consolation prizes to non-winning offices, ensuring that all participants are recognized for their efforts.
This festive competition is a part of an initiative by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. to uplift the morale of the city’s employees. In addition to fostering holiday cheer, the contest also promotes environmental sustainability. Mayor Lazatin highlighted that the event aims to foster a sense of hope and unity among city employees during the Christmas season. “We want to share hope and unity this Christmas among our employees, as we always want them to be,” said Lazatin, emphasizing the importance of community spirit.
In line with the Mayor’s vision, the contest encourages the use of eco-friendly materials, particularly those that align with the city’s environmental goals. Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel explained that the competition guidelines require that 90% of the materials used in creating the Christmas tree, decorations, and ornaments must come from recycled plastic bottles. The remaining 10% of the decorations should be made from any other recycled materials, ensuring that the city’s holiday celebrations also reflect a commitment to reducing waste and promoting the “reduce, reuse, recycle” philosophy.
The goal of the contest is not only to bring joy and festivity to the city but also to promote sustainable practices in a fun and engaging way. By incorporating recycled materials into their designs, participating offices will showcase their creativity while helping to minimize the environmental impact of holiday celebrations. The contest also serves as an educational tool for the public, demonstrating that sustainability can be achieved even during festive occasions.
As the judging process begins, anticipation is building among the various city offices, each eager to showcase their unique interpretations of the holiday spirit. The challenge of using recycled materials is expected to push participants to think outside the box, combining creativity with environmental consciousness. Employees are excited about the chance to work together and contribute to a collective display of Christmas cheer.
The inter-office Christmas decoration contest is just one of the many ways the Angeles City Government is fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Mayor Lazatin’s initiative not only strengthens the bond among employees but also encourages the practice of sustainability, ensuring that the city celebrates Christmas with a sense of unity and responsibility for the environment. With the judging process underway, the offices are now preparing to present their festive decorations and prove their commitment to both holiday cheer and environmental stewardship.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
