JDV, MBTF open Paseo de Belen
BALON DAGUPAN NEWS
PASEO de Belen, the city’s newest Christmas attraction featuring the 20 Nativity Scenes set up by the different barangays in clusters or solo, is now open from 5:00 o’clock in the afternoon to 1:00 o’clock in the morning along the New De Venecia Highway until January 7 next year.
Former Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. and Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, along with Colegio de Dagupan President Dr. Voltaire Arzadon, Professor Caroline Jaraula of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, the 2016 City Fiesta Executive Chairman Epee R. Rafanan and 2016 City Fiesta Hermano Mayor Dennis C. Canto, cut the ceremonial ribbon formally opening Paseo de Belen on Dec. 7.
The Paseo de Belen, one of the innovations for the Christmas holiday initiated by Mayor Fernandez, features all the nativity scenes created by the barangays. In the past, each barangay displayed its own separately in their respective jurisdiction.
By bringing these to the Paseo, residents and visitors can appreciate all the different ‘Belen’ art works of the barangays in one place.
“Each barangay has its own people who are good in arts and culture and Belen-making is our way of bringing the best out of them with the guidance of their respective Punong Barangays. In fact, in one Belen, the manger was designed by a former inmate and I was so proud when I watched him and others build their own mangers,” said Fernandez.
De Venecia hailed the collection of Christmas ‘Belen’ in one place as one of the best achievements of Mayor Fernandez for the city of Dagupan.
“I am already turning 80 on December 26 and I have never seen in my entire life a collection of these ‘Belens’ in just one place. This is another major accomplishment of Mayor Belen for the city of Dagupan,” said De Venecia.
Notably, the ‘Belens’ are all made of indigenous and recycled materials.
During the launching of the ‘Paseo de Belen’, the Balon Dagupan Children’s Choir serenaded the crowd with their rendition of Christmas carols.
The carnival nearby the Paseo De Belen is also now open for families and guests to enjoy. (Joseph C. Bacani/CIO)
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