"Maliwanag ang Pasko sa Cotabato" launched

Cotabateños can now enjoy a more colorful Christmas season as the city government of Cotabato launched last November 29 the "Maliwanag ang Pasko sa Cotabato" at the City Plaza. (Gilmhar A. Lao)

COTABATO CITY --- This city government launched last November 29the “Maliwanagang Paskosa Cotabato,” which marks the beginning of the celebration of the festive month of December.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, in her message during the launching program at the city plaza, said  the event is one of the city government’s ways of celebrating the festive month of December whenthe ShariffKabunsuan Festival and the Christmas season are being celebrated.

“It only shows that Cotabateños are truly united. Here in Cotabato City, the Christmas season is recognized as one of our biggest celebrations," Mayor Guiani-Sayadi said.

The lady mayor emphasized that Christmas is being openly celebrated by the Christians here and is being highly respected by the Muslims.

"Christmas time is significant not only among the Christian brethren since it is the time where we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is also the Prophet Isha of the Muslims,” Guiani-Sayadi stressed.

City Tourism Officer GurlieFrondoza was delighted to announce that Cotabateños can now enjoy the colorful and more spacious city plaza.

"This is what everyone love about our city, what we love about us. We are inclusive, not exclusive. We are a uniting people, never divisive. This is where we are now, who we are at present. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that what we want is a continuity of respect and admiration for each other," Frondoza said. 

Frondoza added that what they want is a community liveable among Christians, Muslims, and Lumads. 

"What we constantly hope for is freedom for everyone to practice each other’s beliefs, tradition, and religion. I am truly proud of Mayor Cyn for championing always the welfare of our city and always thinking about making us happy to be Cotabateños," Frondoza said.

Other atendees during the activity were local government officials, city council members, department heads, division chiefs, civil society organizations, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Office, partner line-agencies, business groups, and employees of the city government. (GILMHAR A. LAO – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)