TOURISM, YOUTH CONCERNS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT

“PASKONG POLO 2004 PUNO NG PAG-ASATREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY, 5pm, 15 December 2004, Valenzuela City

A pleasant afternoon to all of you!

The lighting of the Christmas Tree is an important symbol of hope, goodwill and unity. It reminds us of all that is best about Christmas… The feast celebrating the birth of Christ in a stable at Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago. For most of us it is a reminder of the coming together of family and friends. A time for kindness to others and for the giving both of ourselves and of gifts, particularly to our children. A time for caring, for remembering and for loving.

This Christmas, our thoughts and our wishes are particularly with you, the families living along the railroad tracks here in Valenzuela who will be affected by the relocation under the Northrail Project. Our hearts go out most especially to the children for whom this relocation will be most difficult… The lighting of the Tree of Hope is dedicated to all of you.

The lighting of Christmas Trees comes from the notion of "light" conquering "darkness". Although this may be a time of uncertainty, may this also be a time of new beginnings and of looking forward to a brighter future. For the children and families of KAPISANAN NG MGA SAMAHAN SA RILES NG VALUENZUELA (KASARIVAL) and the HOME ALONG THE RILES VALUENZUELA (HARV), this means becoming responsible homeowners instead of informal settlers along the riles. For the children, batang riles will now become a thing of the past as they will now be considered important members of a productive, progressive and disciplined community.

May the bright and shining light of the Christmas Tree be a symbol of your hopes and dreams for the future, sustained by the care and compassion of the National Government and a responsive City Government, headed by the Honorable Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, always committed to looking out for your welfare.

The Christmas Tree and today's event have been made possible through the enthusiasm, hard work and cooperation of many people. I congratulate them all.

And so with that and with much pleasure, we will proceed to light the Tree of Hope. I wish the Valenzuenios a happy and fulfilling Christmas.

Merry Christmas to you all!

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