Philippine Coconut Authority–IX, in coordination with PCA-Zamboanga Research Center and PCA-Zamboanga del Sur, joined the “Light Up a Tree” contest spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur at the Sports Complex, Dao, Pagadian City.

PCA Region IX’s entry for the “Light Up a Tree” Contest

The event was opened on December 1, 2019, with the presence of Sen. Ronald M. dela Rosa, Gov.  Victo J. Yu, and Cong. Divina Grace Yu. It was also attended by Regional Directors/Heads, Municipal Mayors and Board Members of the Province. According to Sen. Dela Rosa during his speech, “Christmas is the season of giving and showing of gratitude to our Almighty God of all the blessings we received throughout the year.”

Governor Yu delivering his message during the opening of the month-long Christmas celebration

The Light up a Tree contest is part of the month-long Christmas celebration of Zamboanga del Sur being held every December. The mechanics of the contest was to create a christmas tree using a mahogany tree which would resemble the participating agency’s identity.

PCA Regional Office IX, together with the extended effort from PCA-Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office and Zamboanga Research Center, crafted PCA’s Christmas tree entry and lantern enclosed by a geonet fence, and filled with Christmas lights using coconut by-products provided by the Small Coconut Farmers Organization (SCFO) Federation of PCA-Zamboanga del Sur. PCA’s entry showcased various coconut tree products, but mostly gave highlight to coco coir twines and geonets.

By: John Paul B. Lagod
Regional Information Officer
PCA Region IX