By Cyrus A. Natividad

The Opening of the Festival of Lights and Music at Central traditionally falls on the first week of December. This year CPU looks forward to another meaningful launching on Wednesday December 7, 2022 – with the theme: “Jesus Christ: “Our Hope and Central Light.”

With its dazzling light, essence and expectation of the Ilonggos, it is Iloilo’s pride (among the best in Western Visayas’ Christmas lights display) at Central Philippine University; declared a Tourism Zone by the Iloilo City Council.

The highest number of spectators noted by the Philippine National Police last 2019 was at 25,000. People from near and far swarmed the campus to take pictures and to be there exactly to watch the switching on of lights; the University Church, the NSTP Lane, the perimeter fence, the Administration building among others will shine brightly.

The White Gift Service and the Induction of the new set of CPUAAI Officers as well as the switching on of lights will be integrated at the University Church. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Congresswoman ‘Jam-jam’Baronda and Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon will send their messages on virtual platforms; other guests are also considered to be present virtually.

Preventive measures and health protocols require that only the administrators, faculty, staff and some students can stay inside the campus. The opening ceremony is not open to the public. The can witness the opening outside of the perimeter fence, which for this year, will be fully adorned with the festive Christmas lights and decors.

There may not be pyrotechnics and fireworks display, bazaars and crowds of people milling inside the campus as it used to be, but certainly CPU’s Festival of Lights and Music remain in the hearts and minds of everyone who looks forward to the symbolic show on Christmas.

The colorful display of lights and the program will be streamed live on the CPU TV Channel Facebook Page.