By: Celso Cajucom

CABANATUAN City – In a move that combines holiday spirit with a usual tradition, Representative Mario “Kokoy” Salvador of the 2^nd District Nueva Ecija initiated the “Pailaw 2025.” aiming to uplift residents following the devastation of Typhoon Uwan.

The light-up event was held at a one-hectare lawmaker’s office compound at Barangay Tulat, Saturday on November 15, 2025.

Salvador invited the parish priest who led the blessing of the event accompanied by his family and friends, village officials, and media personalities also welcomed a special guest, Provincial Board Member Ferdinand “Dindo” Dysico and Councilor Mawie Munsayac in attendance.

Rep. Salvador, in an interview, he acknowledged the vital role of his beloved wife, Veronica “Viring” Salvador, in the event’s success. He thanked her for making “Pailaw 2025” possible, appreciating her as the designer and organizer behind the festive display.

During the event, the Congressman gathered crowd by counted down before flipping the switch that bathed the area in a bright, festive lights.

The ceremonial lighting was immediately followed a huge roar of cheers erupted from the crowd as a spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky above a colored green of giant Christmas tree, bringing a moment of  wonder and joy that allowed residents to momentarily forget their recent hardship.

Dysico, told media here, highlighted the storm’s impact in the province  by revealing that the slope protection and gabion wire of Pantabangan-Carranglan Baluarte bridge was struck by a recent typhoon, affecting approximately 2,000 families in the area.

The Baluarte bridge is not passable at the moment while the province has provided an alternative routes and roads to ease the residents and all travellers in the area, Dysico said.

The 2^nd congressional district has consist of Municipalities of Pantabangan, Carranglan, Rizal, Llanera, Lupao, Talugtug, and Science City of Muñoz and San Jose City.

This year’s “Pailaw” is especially meaningful as it revives a cherished holiday tradition which was  started by Salvador. He fondly recalled how the city would come alive each holiday season with the Pailaw festival.

Featuring a series of lively events like lantern and chorale competitions, as well as sports competitions among others under his administration for three consecutive terms of office.

By continuing this cherished tradition, he will promise to the residents that more than a festive display. It will have an exciting fun with benefits for recovery of the residents.

“He and his loving wife, Viring, will be provided a symbol of hope, resilience to the district residents, vowing to rebuild and celebrate this season despite their recent hardships.” said Salvador.

The district’s event comes as a bright spot for Nueva Ecija where the province was reportedly   experienced with a widespread of agricultural damages following Super Typhoon Uwan’s landfall in nearby Aurora province earlier this month.