The City Government of Antipolo recently paid homage to Mother Earth as it lit up its Disneyland-themed Christmas tree, made up of some 12,000 recycled plastic bottles, cups and cartons.
Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III said Antipolo has been implementing the earth-friendly concept for its Christmas celebrations in past years as the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability in its governance programs.
Their earth-friendly thrust is in compliance with the YES (Ynares Eco-System) to Green Project, which covers clean and green environment, and livelihood opportunities through recycling and utilization of raw materials and by-products of local produce.
The project is based on Executive Order No. 11 issued in 1993 by Rizal Governor Rebecca Ynares.
The city is a recipient of the Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) Platinum Award 2017 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which includes the enactment of its Basura Code, regular tree-planting activities, Linis Creek Program, and other environment-related measures.
The tree lighting was attended by Governor Ynares, Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, Antipolo first lady Andrea Ynares, Rep. Romeo Acop, Chiqui Roa-Puno, Robbie Puno, Antipolo city and barangay officials, and provincial board members.
The event served as the kick-off to the City’s month-long tourism-oriented Christmas Fiesta, which included a grand parade, drum and lyre contest and marching band contests, the Mutya ng Antipolo pageant, the earth-friendly YES parol and belen design contest.
It also features concerts of rock bands Imago and Grace Note, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the traditional Simbang Gabi, the Bida sa Kusina Series, and the 143rd Sumulong Day Bigsayawit as a tribute to its home-grown patriot Don Juan Sumulong.
