Palo, Leyte — On Tuesday, the municipality of Palo joined the simultaneous ASEAN Landmark Lighting of Lanterns nationwide, marking the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN).
In spite of the risk due to hot weather, local officials, students, the academe, and other sectors still joined the walk for peace in commemoration of the anniversary at the town’s public plaza.
The walk for peace at 3:30 in the afternoon was led by Palo Mayor Remedios L. Petilla. It started from the town’s center to the historic McArthur Landing National Memorial Park, where the landmark lighting ceremony was conducted at 7 o’clock in the evening.
The lantern was placed at the historic McArthur Landing National Memorial Park in Brgy. Candahug, Palo, Leyte.
Mayor Petilla emphasized in her short message the significance of the celebration which is unity, partnership, and cooperation among the ASEAN countries.
“Let the meaning of the event tonight stay in our hearts not just now, but always,” —Mayor Petilla said.
There were other activities held in the said park such as ritual presentations of three festivals in Leyte, singing of the ASEAN anthem, Leyte Oriental fire dance presentation, grand fireworks display, and a mini concert at the park joined by local talents.
Local officials in Leyte led by Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, DILG Regional Director Marivel Sacendoncillo, Ms. Roxanne Boltes of the Department of Foreign Affairs, some mayors in Leyte, schools, barangay officials, some residents in the said municipality, and private sector also joined the commemoration activities in McArthur Park.
Source: philippineinformationagency