Camiguin Christmas tree. The province of Camiguin officially opened its Christmas season with the grand lighting of the 2025 Christmas Tree on November 28 at the Ugmad Site, Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Complex, drawing families, local officials, agencies, and visitors to a night of music, prayer, and celebration. (Photo courtesy of PGO)
TheMonitorMindanaoToday.com | Camiguin opens Christmas season with tree lighting ceremony
By: Recthie T. Paculba
MAMBAJAO, Camiguin — Camiguin welcomed the Christmas season with a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 28 at the Ugmad Site, Cong. PPR Tourism and Sports Complex.
Families, national government agencies, youth groups, barangay representatives, and local officials gathered for the lighting that marked the start of the island’s holiday activities.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said the province’s annual Christmas tradition has grown in meaning over the past three years. He described the ceremony as a reminder of the message of Christmas.
“When the tree lights up, it’s not just about bulbs and colors; it is a reminder of what the light of Christmas means to all of us,” he said, adding that in uncertain times, people look to light for warmth, hope, and unity,” he said.
He cited scripture, saying light persists in darkness, and noted the resilience shown by Camiguinons this year. He said the province’s progress comes from the “quiet, steady effort” of residents who work with compassion and responsibility.
“And so as we light our Christmas tree, may it remind us of the light that came into the world over 2,000 years ago and, because of that, the light that every one of us carries—a light that shows kindness in the little things, a light that forgives, gives, understands, and refuses to fade even when the world around us may grow dark,” he said.
Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo of the Lone District of Camiguin followed with a message on the theme “Home for Christmas,” saying the season centers on returning to family and community.
“Karong gabiona, nagtapok kita para sa pagsaulog sa isa ka importante na mensahe sa atong probinsya nga pagpauli sa Pasko or Home for Christmas,” he said.
(Tonight, we gather to celebrate an important message in our province: Home for Christmas.)
He said Christmas is a time of unity, gratitude, and reconnecting with loved ones.
“Bisan pa sa mga pagsulay karon nga panahon ug adtong miaging adlaw nga atong giatubang, sa mga nagtrabaho para sa pamilya, nagtrabaho sa layo para sa pamilya, kakulian sa panginabuhi, ug mga hagit sama niini karon sa panahon, kita naninguha gihapon nga mupauli kay ang balay mao ang unang lugar nga nagtudlo nato sa pag-ampo, pag-respeto, ug pagpangga sa pamilya,” he said.
(Despite the trials of today and the past that we face, those who work for the family, those who work remotely for the family, the difficulties of living, and challenges like these in this time, we still try to come home because our home is the first place that teaches us to pray, respect, and love our family.)
He also urged families to continue placing a star in their homes as a symbol of welcoming Christ.
The evening included the Christmas Trivia Night: Battle of the SKs, where Mambajao won first place, followed by Catarman and Sagay.
The Jingle Bell Rock performance featuring the Nuwebe Band added music to the event.
The Noche Buena Making Contest, held earlier in the evening, featured local Christmas dishes.
The provZncial government has also scheduled activities throughout December. On Dec. 5, the Himig ng Pasko: Elementary Christmas Chorale Competition will be held along with Jingle Bell Rock featuring Adlibitum Band. On Dec. 6, the high school division of the chorale competition will follow, with music by Playlist Band.
Other events include the Christmas Night Trivia Battle of the LGUs/NGAs on Dec. 12, the Christmas Coffee Making Contest on Dec. 20, and the Himig ng Pasko: Inter-Agency Christmas Chorale Competition. On Dec. 21, the province will hold The Miracle of Christmas: A Live Nativity and a Christmas Blockbuster Night.
From Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, the Sidlak sa Pasko: Christmas Display Viewing will remain open, featuring holiday installations at the Ugmad Site.
Gov. Romualdo said the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony marks the start of the province’s holiday activities and reinforces Camiguin’s identity as a home for all during the season. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
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