By Rowena T. Cruz Alabat’s miniature Christmas village entry showcases the town’s identity and unity as residents continue recovery efforts ...
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| Alabat’s miniature Christmas village entry showcases the town’s identity and unity as residents continue recovery efforts following Typhoon Uwan. (Mayor Ays Avellano Canimo) |
ALABAT, Quezon - In the wake of Typhoon Uwan’s devastation, the Alabat local government led by Mayor Eizelle “AYS” M. Avellano-Canimo has called on all municipal offices to forgo lavish Christmas celebrations. The call underscored that the ban on lavish Christmas parties reflects the municipality’s solidarity with residents still struggling after the storm.
The Sangguniang Bayan formalized this directive through its declaration of a state of calamity under Resolution No. 2025-196, in line with the country’s disaster law. The action strengthens the municipality’s authority to focus resources on urgent relief and rehabilitation needs.
The national government, the provincial government of Quezon, and the municipality are working together to speed up relief and recovery operations. These coordinated efforts are meant to help communities rebuild more quickly.
Initial findings from the town’s damage assessment recorded 1,293 families, or 3,318 individuals, affected across various barangays. The report also recorded 505 partially damaged houses and 19 homes that were completely destroyed.
Livelihoods, agricultural lands, and essential equipment suffered severe losses across multiple coastal barangays. These damages deepened economic hardship and threatened food security throughout Alabat.
Mayor Avellano-Canimo said the ban on extravagant celebrations follows national guidelines from the DILG, COA, and CSC. She explained that holding costly gatherings would be insensitive while many residents remain displaced or trying to rebuild their lives.
Despite the restrictions, the municipality is finding meaningful ways to keep the holiday spirit alive. As part of the Miniature Christmas Village Contest — Paskong Quezonian 2025, Alabat presented an artistic entry that reflects its culture, identity, and values.
The miniature village highlights Alabat as the “Bayan ng Masagana, Masaya, at Mapayapang Bayan ng Diyos.” Each carefully crafted detail symbolizes unity, faith, hard work, and compassion among the Alabatin community.
The display also serves as a visual reminder of the town’s resilience after the storm, presenting a hopeful image of what the community continues to strive for. It stands as a tribute to the spirit of Alabatins, who carry their traditions forward even in challenging times.
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