'Halad' keeps Sinadya sa Halaran spirit alive
ROXAS CITY – The "Halad sa Kasimanwa" spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Metro Roxas in coordination with the provincial government during Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 was meant to keep the spirit of the festival alive.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Esteban Contreras, club president, said the halad activity aimed at rekindling the spirit of sharing and caring that is inherent in Capiceños through the giving of gifts in cash or kind to their less privileged province-mates.
The halad or gift-giving was one of the highlights of the December 4-8 cultural and religious celebration.
Launched at the Provincial Park right on opening day of the celebration, the halad was highlighted by gift-giving and civic activities.
The gift-giving and identification of beneficiaries was done in coordination with the provincial government headed by Gov. Victor Tanco through its Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.
There was also a lighting of a huge Christmas tree and light-a-tree participated in by business establishments DANCORR, Pueblo de Panay and MVW Restaurant & Tourist Inn, and government financial institution Land Bank of the Philippines.
A member of the club played Santa Claus and visited public places and department stores for photo opportunities with children and adults alike.
The goodies received by the club from donors were distributed to beneficiaries last Dec. 6. "Service to the Public" activities were also conducted Dec. 6-7 including a beach cleanup, blood-letting with the Philippine National Red Cross, and tree planting with the support of the DENR.
Project cooperators included local government units, business establishments and organizations, other civic clubs, religious organizations, the academe, and other institutions.
Sinadya sa Halaran is a joint religious and cultural festival of the province and city that is anchored on the Capiceños' time-honored traditions of giving and sharing and religiosity in honor of their Patroness, the Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Alphonsus Tesoro said the just-concluded festival was successful and thanked Capiceños for supporting the celebration that depicted local cultural heritage and deep religiosity. (PIA-JSC)