CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Tradition infused with innovation becomes the iconic “Parul Sampernandu” on Monday, July 1.
The first-ever, full-LED giant lantern was lighted up at the Giant Lantern and Tourist Information Center premises in the former Paskuhan Village here, bringing memories of the past glory of what was once the only Christmas village of its kind in the whole of Asia-Pacific.
Crafted by foremost father-and-son lantern makers Arnel and Mark Niño Flores, the 20-foot lantern used light emitting diode bulbs provided by Firefly Electric and Lighting Corp. (FELCO), and installation materials by Royu Electrical. A nod to tradition is its still being operated manually through rotors.
Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag called the undertaking as a testament to the continuing preservation and recognition of San Fernando’s lantern makers, as well as a highlight of the city’s trust and confidence to its private sector partners, especially citing FELCO and Royu.
For his part, FELCO category manager Eljay Andrada said their participation was anchored on Caluag’s drive to make San Fernando a smart, green, and sustainable city, noting the benefits that LED bulbs bring to the environment.
Certified as longer lasting than the usual incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, LED bulb are also cited for cost efficiency and emitting higher energy.
Lantern makers note that 5,000 to 8,000 bulbs run by two to six rotors are needed to light up a 20-foot lantern.
At last year’s Giant Lantern Festival, 13,000 LED bulbs were donated by the Firefly Electric and Lighting Corp. to the participating barangays.
City tourism officer Ching Pangilinan said the LED giant lantern, along with a smaller version, will be displayed for public viewing at the Giant Lantern and Tourist Information Center.
