By Ace Morandante and Diana Tomale
DAVAO CITY – The Chinese community here is all set to welcome the Year of the Sheep with various of activities.
Jasper Huang, public relations officer of the Davao City Chinatown Development Council (DCCDC) said that they have prepared activities for the celebration of Chinese New Year.
“Actually the Chinese New Year celebration will be on February 19 but since we all know that the most important part [is welcoming] the New Year celebration, we’ll be putting it on the 18th,” Huang said.
Highlights of the celebration include a parade with some offices of the city government, different Chinese schools and community associations; food bazaars; live entertainment; fun run; and futsal (football) competition.
“We also have a lion and dragon dance parade which will join us in the afternoon parade,” Huang said.
The opening ceremony will be held at 4:30 pm along Sta. Ana Avenue fronting Davao Central High School.
Huang said they would not fly sky lanterns as they did two years ago after it was prohibited.
Huang said they will play firecracker sounds as alternative to a fireworks display.
Davao City has been implementing City Ordinance 060-02 or the firecracker ban since 2002.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, Senior Inspector Milgrace Driz said that they already have security plans for the Chinese New Year celebration, including checkpoints on that day to secure the area. (davaotoday.com)
