THE 31 barangays in Dagupan will again compete for the best Belen (nativity scene) award as the city dolls up for the Christmas season and the celebration of the month-long fiesta in December.

Cash prizes are up for grabs in the 2nd Belen-Making Contest that requires use of indigenous and scrap materials as part of the city government’s program to promote locally-produced materials and recycling.

City Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, who initiated the contest, said the communities can create their nativity scene using such materials as cogon grass, leaves, tin cans, discarded clothes, paper, styrofoam items, tires or a combination of all these.

Fernandez said the first Belen-making contest last year proved successful because the nativity scenes in every barangay captivated both local residents and balikbayans.

She said she is determined to push the advocacy on segregation, recycling and composting to boost the campaign in the city against climate change.

Each barangay will be allowed one entry each.

Winners will be awarded on December 27, coinciding with the Barangay Night of the city fiesta.—LM