Illuminating Traditions: PEP Delegates Witness the Enchanting Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga

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The festive spirit of Christmas in the Philippines reached its grand crescendo as the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) delegates visited the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, on Saturday, December 14. Serving as the finale for the Central Luzon leg of PEP, the event offered a dazzling glimpse into the unparalleled artistry, culture, and communal pride that San Fernando has preserved for generations.
San Fernando: The Christmas Capital of the Philippines

Recognized as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando transforms into a glowing wonderland every December through the “Ligligan Parul” (Lantern Competition). The tradition, which began in 1904, has grown into a globally renowned spectacle that celebrates Filipino craftsmanship, unity, and innovation.

This year’s festival showcased the talent and artistry of ten participating barangays: Bulaon, Calulut, Del Pilar, Dolores, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Niño, and Telabastagan. Each barangay presented massive lanterns, some towering up to 20 feet in diameter, adorned with intricate patterns and thousands of multi-colored lights. These luminous giants synchronized seamlessly with a mix of modern pop songs, Christmas carols, and nationalist anthems, evoking awe and pride among both locals and visitors.

A Tradition of Evolution and Ingenuity

The Giant Lantern Festival’s history is as captivating as its glowing displays. Originating as simple two-foot bamboo lanterns illuminated by candles during religious processions, the tradition saw a groundbreaking transformation in 1931 with the introduction of electricity. This technological shift paved the way for more elaborate designs and the now-iconic synchronized lighting effects powered by rotors.

Today’s lanterns are marvels of engineering, artistry, and collaboration, often requiring months of planning and hundreds of hours of labor. Behind each masterpiece lies the collective effort of barangay residents—engineers, artists, electricians, and designers—who come together to honor their community’s creativity and heritage.

A Cultural Showcase of the Philippine Experience Program

The visit to the Giant Lantern Festival was a fitting conclusion to the Christmas-themed Central Luzon leg of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), a Department of Tourism (DOT) initiative designed to immerse participants in the country’s rich cultural tapestry. By showcasing Central Luzon’s unique festivals, traditions, and attractions, PEP highlights the Philippines as a premier destination where “endless stories begin.”

Tourism officials, delegates, and visitors alike were spellbound as the lanterns came to life in a mesmerizing symphony of light and music, symbolizing the resilience, creativity, and warmth of the Filipino people. Each lantern illuminated not just the night sky but also the enduring spirit of community and artistry that defines San Fernando.

Why the Giant Lantern Festival Shines Bright

The Giant Lantern Festival goes beyond being a competition—it is a celebration of shared heritage and innovation. The event attracts thousands of visitors every year, both local and international, cementing San Fernando’s status as a top cultural destination during the Christmas season.

More than a visual feast, the festival serves as a reminder of how traditions can adapt, thrive, and inspire across generations. From humble bamboo lanterns to today’s luminous spectacles, the Ligligan Parul showcases the Filipino capacity to innovate while staying deeply rooted in cultural values.

Love the Philippines: Endless Stories in Central Luzon

As the lights of the festival dimmed, the memories created during this year’s event will continue to shine brightly. Through initiatives like the Philippine Experience Program, the beauty of the Philippines—its people, heritage, and traditions—takes center stage, leaving a lasting impression on all who witness it.

For those seeking stories of resilience, artistry, and celebration, the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga is proof that traditions, when nurtured, have the power to light up lives.

The Dawn of a New Frontier: AI Robots Take the Reins in Cattle Farming

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In the heart of Australia's sprawling farmlands, a quiet revolution is underway. Under the watchful eye of brilliant minds, a machine—unyielding, precise, and powered by the magic of artificial intelligence—moves with purpose across rugged terrain. Its mission? To rewrite the future of cattle farming forever.

For generations, herding cattle has been the domain of weathered farmers and loyal, tireless dogs. The bond between man, beast, and land is etched into history, a dance of grit and instinct. But now, a new partner has stepped onto the stage: an AI-powered robot that does not tire, does not falter, and—perhaps most importantly—does not leave a heavy footprint on the environment.

The stakes are immense. Traditional cattle herding, though time-honored, carries a heavy cost: overgrazed pastures stripped bare, fragile soil eroded by constant trampling, and a labor force struggling under the weight of physical demands. Enter the robot—silent, calculating, and endlessly efficient. This marvel of engineering not only takes over the task of herding but transforms it. Guided by algorithms as intricate as nature itself, the AI can direct livestock with startling precision, steering herds to greener pastures and halting overgrazing before it begins. The result? Land that breathes again, ecosystems spared, and carbon footprints reduced.

The implications are monumental. Farmers, once shackled to grueling hours and unpredictable livestock, now watch as their robotic counterpart streamlines their work and multiplies their productivity. The promise of sustainability shimmers on the horizon—a future where technology and agriculture coexist, where the earth thrives alongside innovation.

Yet this brave new world is not without shadows. Livestock are creatures of instinct, chaotic and unpredictable as storms rolling across the plains. Can machines, no matter how advanced, truly adapt to their raw, untamed nature? Will every farm—each with its own quirks, climates, and challenges—embrace this technological giant? The questions hang heavy, but researchers push on, their vision clear: a cattle farming industry redefined.

This shift is more than a mechanical innovation—it is a narrative of survival and transformation. In a world where food security and climate stability teeter on the edge, the robot's hum offers hope. It is not merely efficiency that drives this machine but the chance for harmony—a sustainable coexistence between humanity, technology, and the planet we call home.

And so, the story unfolds: cattle trails once etched by human boots are now carved by tire treads. A mechanical shepherd, powered by human ingenuity, leads herds across ancient land with unprecedented care. It is a sight that may one day become the norm—a future where robots safeguard the fields while farmers dream of new horizons.

Australia's farmland has become the testing ground for a new era. Whether the world will embrace this robotic shepherd remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the cattle farming industry stands on the brink of a breathtaking transformation. As the sun sets over the outback, the future charges forward—not on hooves, but on wheels.

DepEd thanks PBBM, DBM for grant of 20K max SRI

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The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to release the Php 20,000 Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for teaching and non-teaching personnel — a first for the agency’s staff to receive the maximum grant allowed — starting December 20, 2024.

As instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman worked together to provide the full amount of Php 20,000 SRI for 2024.

Following the release of Administrative Order No. 27 by the Office of the President, DepEd has begun processing the necessary requirements for the disbursement of the SRI 2024 — the biggest in history for DepEd.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara reiterated his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for ensuring that teachers and non-teaching personnel are given the full SRI allowed for their unwavering commitment in basic education.

“This is a historic moment for DepEd, as we are able to grant the highest SRI ever for our workforce. We are deeply grateful to President Marcos Jr. for his steadfast support in prioritizing the welfare of teachers and staff who serve as the backbone of the education sector,” Secretary Angara said.

“We also thank DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman for working with us to provide this incentive to our personnel. It is a testament to how much we value the dedication and sacrifices of our education frontliners, especially as they continue to ensure learning excellence amidst all challenges,” he added.

Following the release of a DBM Circular Letter and a DepEd Memorandum on FY 2024 SRI, the funding of SRI will be downloaded to Regional Offices (ROs) on December 20, 2024, for immediate disbursement.