The Puerto Princesa City Jail (PPCJ) conducted Friday evening its annual giant lantern lighting ceremony to mark the beginning of a joyful Christmas celebration inside the facility.
Jail Senior Inspector (JSINSP) Irene Gaspar, PPCJ warden, said Friday the giant Christmas star, which they call “Parol ng Pagbabago”, is twenty times the size of an ordinary lantern.
“Ito pong lighting of giant star o giant parol is isang tradition dito sa loob ng piitan ng Puerto Princesa na kung saan madarama natin ‘yong diwa ng kapaskuhan kahit po ang ating mga PDLs o ang ating mga kapatid, ay naandito sa loob,” said Gaspar.
PDLs during the ceremony also showcased their talents through different performances.
Gaspar said this tradition is aimed at extending to PDLs the touch of Christmas despite being away from their loved ones.
Facing the national highway of Barangay Santa Monica, this giant star shines at night symbolizing the “hope” in every heart behind the high-and-barbed-iron-wire walls of the prison.