𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓, 𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄
Capitol employees, officials, and spectators gathered on the Capitol grounds this evening for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, led by Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.
This cherished tradition marks the official start of the holiday season for the province, serving as a celebration of community and a reminder of the impact kindness, generosity, and love can have on our lives.
Following a countdown, the towering evergreen erupted in a brilliant cascade of hundreds of warm white lights, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
In her message, Gov. Baricuatro said tonight’s event is more than a ceremony. While it marks her first Christmas Tree lighting as governor, it also carries a deeper meaning for her, as this year has tested Cebu in ways Cebuanos will never forget.
“It has tested me in ways I will never forget. We stood trembling through an earthquake. We held our breath as Typhoon Tino, Uwan, and Verbena battered our towns and took away precious lives. And even before all of this, we were a province divided by politics, doubts, and wounds that went deeper than we cared to admit,” she said.
“But look at us now. We are here… under one sky, sharing one hope, celebrating one Christmas tree that reminds us: Light always returns. And we rise because we rise together,” she added.
Gov. Baricuatro said that as a mother, she knows what it means to keep going even when tired, to stay strong even when shaken, and to hold the family together even when the world feels heavy.
“This year, Cebu has felt like one big family—hurting together, rebuilding together, and now, hoping together. HOPE means HOLD ON PAIN ENDS. This is why tonight is more than tradition. It is a symbol of healing, of unity, of beginnings that feel fragile, but real,” she said.
With this, the governor announced there will be no grand Capitol Christmas Party this year. She said smaller celebrations per office can still take place as employees have also been looking forward to celebrate the Yuletide season with their colleagues.
“The usual big gathering will not happen. Anyway, this Christmas is not about extravagance. It is about reflection. About choosing to be better—not bitter. Kinder—not angrier. More united—not divided. Let this light remind us that Cebu deserves a gentler tomorrow—and that tomorrow begins with us: how we speak, how we care, how we help, how we heal,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
“May this Christmas be the beginning of reconciliation… the beginning of wiser choices… the beginning of a Cebu where compassion is stronger than politics, and where public service is truly for the public,” she added.
She also took the opportunity to express her gratitude to everyone who helped and supported the Cebu Provincial Government in its relief efforts in the past months—the local government units (LGUs), the national and local government agencies, President Bongbong Marcos, foreign countries, non-government organizations (NGOs), private entities and individuals, the youth, the Church, Capitol employees and volunteers, and the media.
“DAGHAN KAAYONG SALAMAT NINYO! I cannot express enough how grateful we are to all of you. It is very overwhelming to know that so many are supporting Cebu. And it inspires us to be better public servants. Most importantly, to the Cebuanos, thank you for your continued trust and your strength. You have gone through so much, but you have been so strong. But I know you deserve so much better, that’s why I promise you, WE WILL BE BETTER. You now have a Provincial Government that will have your welfare as the top priority. And we will not stop until we get justice for Cebu,” she said.
The governor said there’s no better time for Cebuanos to push for this new start than this Christmas season.
“So together, let us welcome a Christmas of hope—and a new year grounded in humility, unity, and love for Cebu. Thank you to everyone, and I sincerely wish all of you, USA KA MALIPAYON UG MABULAHAN NGA PASKO,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
The sparkling tree now stands as a nightly landmark at the Capitol, a beacon of hope celebrating the birth of Christ. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝑺𝑪, 𝑭𝑬, 𝒀𝑱𝑩
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