• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Robinsons Bacolod, in partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Negros Island Region (BJMP-NIR), launched its 16th Suga sang Paskwa parol making contest with the theme “Kasanag Giya sa Tuod nga Pag Bag-o” yesterday at the second floor of the mall.
Total cash prizes at stake for the parol making contest is P130,000. The grand prize winner will receive P25,000; first place – P20,000; second place – P15,000; third place – P10,000; and fourth place – P8,000. Sixteen consolation prizes at P3,000 each will be given out to non-winning entries, while special awards of P2,000 each will also be provided to the Early Bird, and winner of the Most Likes Award.
Jail Chief Supt. Brendan Fulgencio, BJMP-NIR regional director, yesterday said the parols are the product of the PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) creativity and craftsmanship. One of their missions is to provide them developmental opportunities.
Fulgencio said they are trying their best to make the PDLs useful while in jail, and if possible help them earn by equipping them with skills like baking or electronics, in partnership with other government agencies.
Jail Senior Supt. Marie Rose Laguyo, BJMP-NIR assistant regional director for administration, said “For the past 15 years, this event has not only showcased the incredible talent and creativity of our PDL, but has also become a beloved tradition that strengthened creativity and collaboration that united us in the spirit of the holiday season.”
“A parol, as we all know, is more than just a lantern. It is a symbol of hope, light, and faith – values that are deeply rooted in our culture and shared by all of us. Each parol represents a story, a piece of art, and a reflection of the warmth and joy we experience when we come together as one community,” she said.
Bacolod Councilor Jason Villarosa, chair of the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Tourism, congratulated the BJMP for 16 years of showcasing the talents of the PDLs through the Suga sang Paskwa parol-making contest, as well as Robinsons Bacolod for being a partner of the city in several endeavors.
The launching ang judging of the Suga sang Paskwa parol-making contest was also attended by Robinsons Bacolod mall operations manager Ryan Sumpay, regional marketing manager Sheila Malubay, artists Baldomero Defensor and Sugar Tonongbanua, as well as the wardens of the different BJMP in Negros Occidental.*
