THE annual lighting of the “floating” Christmas tree along Opol boardwalk hugging the Cagayan de Oro-Iligan highway is significant even more this year because it will be the last time that the towering landmark will be erected there.
During the town’s Christmas season kickoff December 6, Opol Mayor Jayfrancis Bago revealed that the boardwalk’s long awaited facelift boost will finally start January.
Earlier, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has injected P100 million upgrading of the four-year-old tourist spot which includes a larger promenade and improved amenities.
This is based on the recommendation of the Regional Development Council (RDC) upon Bago’s lobbying.
In his state of the municipality address a few months back, Bago also hinted constructing a cafe-style boulevard along Calinob creek that leads to the boardwalk.
Another relevance of the Christmas lighting this year is Opol’s celebration of its diamond or 75th anniversary bearing the theme From Grass to Glass.
From Grass to Glass symbolizes Opol, Misamis Oriental’s journey from its humble origins (grassy shoreline) to its modern, radiant identity, growth and shining future (“glass” representing contemporary architecture).
A smaller Christmas tree inside Opol’s food park was likewise lit.
During the celebration, a Christmas choral contest was also held. The youth representatives from barangay Igpit were declared the winner.
