San Mateo’s very own Christmas Tree Ceremony was well attended by local officials and supported by the community.
SAN MATEO, Rizal – “Be a blessing to others.” Just because it’s a cliché’ does not mean we can no longer live up to this line anymore. The municipality of San Mateo proved that each of us can be a blessing to others even through our own simple ways. On Tuesday, November 6, San Mateo local government officially started the Christmas season in the said town through its Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
The municipal building, especially the plaza right in front was fully decorated with various elements of Christmas, images of the patio of Aranzazu Parish, Puto Bumbong, Belen, and more are accentuated with colorful lights. The highlight of the night was the uniquely designed Christmas tree, carefully and beautifully assembled with numerous bicycles.
Most of you might have been amazed with the idea of using bicycles for this year’s Christmas tree or some might have wondered on how a bicycle symbolizes Christmas? Don’t fret because Mayor Tina Diaz explained during her speech that the bicycles that have been used in creating the Christmas tree came from generous citizens who donated their old ones. These bicycles were refurbished to put into use again but not just as decorations only for the Christmas season.
Mayor Tina also added that these bicycles will be re-assembled by January and will be given out to students of Pintong Bukawe National High School under the “Bike to School Program.” The program aims to help ease the hassle of those students who spend more than 2 hours of walk everyday just to get to their school and back.
WATCH: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony here.
A video presentation was shown featuring the benefactors of the bicycles. It was inspiring to know that some of them belong to the youth of San Mateo. At such age, those children already understand the meaning of sharing their blessings to others, most importantly, on how to be a blessing to others.
Always remember what Fr. Larry would always tell us before – not all blessings given to you are all yours; sometimes, they are just given to you because He wants to use you as an instrument to spread and share His blessings to more people who would need it.
San Mateo local government officials – Councilors, Barangay Captains and staff were present during the ceremony. Rizal Gov. Rebecca “Nini” Ynares also graced the event who strongly supported the Bike to School Program and promoted the YES Program of Rizal which supports a clean and green environment.
