'Adopt a Tree, Light a Tree' program marks start of Christmas celebration in Cotabato City

COTABATO CITY - - The city government here launched Thursday the 'Adopt a Tree, Light a Tree' program marking the locality’s celebration of the Christmas season.Under the program, the local government partners with national government line agencies and the private sector on adopting a tree lined along the vicinity of the city plaza and adorn it with Christmas lights and decorations for the ambiance of the holiday season, especially during nighttime.The program is one of the city's practices of celebrating Christmas in the advent of Shariff Kabunsuan Festival that officially starts December 15 this year.The Kabunsuan festival, which begins every third week of December, commemorates the arrival of an Arab - Malay missionary from Malaysia who spread Islam civilization in Mindanao. Here in Cotabato City, the Christmas season is recognized as one of our biggest celebrations. It is being openly celebrated by our Christians and is being highly respected by Muslims, City Mayor Frances Cynthia Guiani – Sayadi said.Local officials, representatives from the business groups, partners in national line agencies, and city government employees witnessed the program launching at the city plaza here on Thursday morning.