Senator Cynthia A. Villar awarded the winners of Las Pinas City’s annual parol-making competition as part of her commitment to support the city’s lantern industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I commend all our participants who, despite the challenging circumstances brought about by COVID-19, have continued to pursue their passion in creating unique and environment-friendly parols that make Las Pinas lanterns stand out among the rest,” Villar said.
“I am truly proud that we have once again risen up to the challenge of honoring our annual tradition and spread holiday cheer and hope this season.”
Villar led the virtual awarding ceremonies at the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Hall. Winners of this year’s competition are: Grand Prize winner Bryan Flores, who received P20,000 cash prize; 1st Runner Glecy Dela Cruz, who received P15,000; and 2nd Runner-up Fercival Santos, who received P10,000.
The competition is part of Villar’s advocacy to promote garbage recycling and efficient solid waste management. Entries from the Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Pinas used recyclable materials such as shampoo sachets, soap cartons, straws, pet bottles, cans, used cds, and corrugated cartons, as well organic items like clam and mussel shells.
“Now on its 15th year, this Parol Festival is our way of raising awareness on the importance of recycling. Participants made use of trash and other recyclable items, so they don’t end up clogging our waterways that result to flooding especially during the rainy season,” Villar added
The Parol Festival was a brainchild of Villar when she was still the representative of Las Piñas in a bid to boost the city’s parol-making industry. Today, the city is considered as Metro Manila’s parol-making capital.