House OKs bill declaring Pampanga as Christmas Capital of PH
Colorful Christmas lanterns line the busy Jose Abad Santos Avenue in the City of San Fernando. (PHOTO FROM GERALD GLOTON)
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill declaring Pampanga as the “Christmas Capital” of the country.
All 250 lawmakers unanimously voted to approve the said bill, House Bill No. 6933, principally authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr.
Section 2 of the proposed law tasks the Department of Tourism to include and feature the province as the Christmas Capital in its national and regional promotion programs.
“The Christmas season here in the Philippines is made extra special every year by the Kapampangans who take pride in their famous and vibrant tradition of lantern-making,” Romualdez said in a statement.
“It is only fitting that we formalize Pampanga’s legacy as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines now, as it continues to brighten the season of giving each year,” Gonzales for his part,” Gonzales said.
