LEGAZPI CITY—Albay once more turns ‘”green” the whole month of December this year with the celebration of Karangahan Green Christmas Festival, which bans the use of plastics and firecrackers.
The festival is consistent with its environment protection and “zero casualty” campaign. Karangahan comes from the ancient Bikol word “ranga,” which means solace with a high degree of respect, caring and blissful joy.
Now in its sixth year, the festival features the iconic giant Christmas Tree, this time made of the ubiquitous Karagumoy plant, which is commonly used in weaving mats, hats and baskets. Karagumoy is a most essential material of Albay’s handicraft industry.
Pili seedlings and camote tops were previous materials of the iconic giant tree, the most photographed fixture of Albay’s Karangahan Green Christmas Festival on social media.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda recently issued a memorandum to heads of offices and personnel of the provincial government to ensure a “safe and joyful celebration” of the holidays with friends, visitors and tourists, with emphasis on close family ties and a safe environment.
Salceda said in a memorandum the Green Christmas initiative would again highlight the zero-casualty from firecrackers and the promotion of low-carbon modes of celebration.
Karangahan Green Christmas Festival supports Albay’s Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction campaign and is an important component of the province’s tourism program.
Salceda’s green Christmas memorandum strictly prohibits firecrackers and the use of plastic materials in food servings and decorations. It encourages the use of organic and indigenous materials and enjoins government employees to invite the less privileged and vulnerable to their Christmas parties.
Albay has been a recipient of three consecutive Galing Pook Awards for outstanding governance program on disaster preparedness; and Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame Award for best disaster risk reduction and management council for three consecutive years.
The province is also among the country’s fastest growing tourist destinations and recently won the first-ever $1-million 2015 Pacific Asia Travel Association CEO Challenge’s Top Destination Award, as a prime global tourism site.
Salceda received the award during the Pata Advocacy Dinner in London on Nov. 2.
This year’s Karangahan festival features a surprise sports offering – a Rugby match between the Manila Storm and Albay Vulcans on Dec. 11.
The event, made possible by the Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation, was scheduled following Manila Storm’s recent inaugural game against the touring Hong Kong Residents XIII.
The event is expected to bring in Rugby enthusiasts and enable them to enjoy the holidays in the province. The Albay Vulcans is Albay’s team which already made a name for its own, in various kinds of sports competitions.
Salceda said the Karangahan Festival would showcase Albay’s best in culture, arts, products and rich heritage. “I enjoin you to interact with our artists as they perform the music and dances of Bikol during Christmas. Marvel at the new indigenous products of our creative industry, and experience the joy of sharing during this Yuletide Season,” he said.