UP Diliman holds virtual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony

The University of the Philippines Diliman held its annual "Pag-Iilaw", or Christmas lighting ceremony, virtually in light of the limitations and challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The theme of this year’s ceremony was “Abot-Kamay, Abot-Tanaw: Sulong sa Bago at Mas Mainam na Bukas.” 

The event was streamed live at the UP Diliman Facebook page.

“Ito ay para bigyan ng konting upliftment yung spirit, para kahit naghihirap tayo ay mabigyan natin ng ilaw at kulay ang constituents natin,” said installation artist Abdulmari “Toym” de Leon Imao, Jr. during the program.

In a Facebook post, Imao said there were discussions on the propriety of pushing through with the event in light of the recent disasters that befell the country.

“We seriously took these concerns into consideration as we planned for this event. In the end, we decided that a little bit of light to spread goodness and cheer, to at least momentarily lift the spirit of the community, is what we all need during these uncertain times,” Imao wrote.

Imao’s “Parola” was located along University Avenue and composed of ladders, human-shaped lanterns and birds.

The event also featured an illuminated jeepney that trudged along University Avenue toward the Oblation statue.

Imao said the stylized jeepney is a tribute to Filipino ingenuity and UP’s Ikot and Toki drivers that faced unemployment during the pandemic. 

Dr. Aleli Bawagan, vice chancellor for community affairs, said they pushed through with the program “despite the threat of red tagging and defunding.”

“The message still rings loud and clear, the University is a parola, a beacon that shines during turbulent times,” Bawagan said. “(UP is) a source of illumination that there is hope amid darkness. UP will continue to struggle with the Filipino people.”

UP President Danilo Concepcion also cited the importance of having hope amid the current issues the country is facing.

“Sa kabila ng mga unos at pagsubok, abot tanaw natin ang pagasa, at abot kamay natin ang ating mga kasama,” Concepcion said.