Around 1,000 colorful “parol” (Christmas lanterns) illuminated major streets of Iloilo City following the official lighting ceremony for the “Iloilo Rising Parol” on Monday evening, Dec. 1.

The public-private initiative of the Iloilo City Government and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is now in its fifth year, with this year’s theme “Ilonggo Rising Parol”.

The business group gathered donations from establishments for the lanterns, while the city government handled the mounting and the installation of wiring and bulbs.

PCCI chair Felix Tiu, in his message, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors who, through their donations, have helped reform persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

“This project is for the benefit of our PDLs. For the past five years, we have helped more than 100 PDLs with their livelihood,” he said.

Mayor Raisa Treñas said the lighting of parols is always looked forward to every year, as the lanterns symbolize brighter days ahead.

“As we look and light our parol tonight, let us be reminded that above our worries, there is hope. And that simple act of looking up can give us the strength we need the most,” she said in her message.

She added that through the project, the PDLs are given the opportunity to also reach their dreams for their families.

“Through this project, we are supporting and helping them reach that dream and make them feel that their hopes extend to our community,” Treñas said.

In addition to livelihood for PDLs, portions of the funds raised by the PCCI are also allotted for their outreach programs in areas affected by calamities.

“Thank you for believing in the city government and for helping us make an impact in the everyday lives of the Ilonggos – from our small vendors in our markets to the families trying to rebuild after the storms,” the mayor said.

PCCI president Fulbert Woo said the rising parol represents the journey of the community of “rising together – united by hope, strengthened by partnerships, and committed to progress.”

“For years, the parol has stood as a symbol of the strong and enduring partnership between PCCI Iloilo and the Iloilo City Government, working hand-in-hand to illuminate the city and uplift the Ilonggo community,” he said.

He said this year’s six-foot parol has four colors – blue, red, green, and yellow – reflecting the values that guide the annual tradition.

“Blue symbolizes the solidarity of Ilonggos; red for the longstanding collaboration between government, private sector, civic groups, and individuals in sustaining the program; green for innovation, resilience, and the forward momentum of Iloilo as a thriving and progressive city; and yellow as a reminder that Ilonggos rise with hope at the center of every journey,” Woo said.PNA