Crisis sends firms away from Malaybalay's Christmas trees

The city government of Malaybalay led formal lighting of the traditional Light A Tree project on December 1 to mark the Christmas season in the City of Pines.

Mayor Florencio T. Flores Jr. addressed Malaybalaynons in a brief speech signaling the lighting of trees in Plaza Rizal now adorned with colorful lights and decors.

A drum and bugle corps ushered the lighting after a countdown to the delight of hundreds of spectators around 6-7p.m. Monday night.

But there’s a difference in this year’s project --- the city’s business community are not the ones footing the bill for the Christmas tree lighting and decors.

Mayor Flores told the crowd it is the City Hall’s different departments and divisions who took charge of the Christmas trees.

He told this reporter in an interview Tuesday they allotted P10, 000 for each of the 34 departments to spruce up the trees.

He said many of the firms begged off to be excused from the traditional sponsorships this year with some of them experiencing lay offs and other financial problems.

“The crisis has affected the private sector that is why we are making them rest. Some signified that if they be excused this year,” he said.

Mayor Flores said, however, that the set up is temporary as he would still push for a joint public and private sector effort next year.