Small town beats big cities in Christmas landmark-making contest

THE MUNICIPALITY of Naawan in Misamis Oriental is a picture of how hapless the situation of the poor is in a third-world country. Consisting of 10 barangays with a population of only 17,000, it is the smallest town in the province. Classified as a fifth-class municipality, it is one of the poorest towns here in the country with an annual per capita income below P10,000.

Yet indigence never stopped Naawan townsfolk to enjoy life and dream big. They take pride in being one of the country’s pillars of economic survival, diligently performing their jobs as farmers and fishermen. Even amidst scarcity, they have also never ceased in believing in themselves, helping one another and working together for the benefit of their municipality.

These outstanding qualities on top of the town's collective creativity have won the hearts of the judges headed by National Artist Dr. Alejandro Roces, as the municipality of Naawan was declared the grand prize winner in Lady's Choice "Christmasterpiece: Bayanihang Pasko 2005."

The town’s entry dubbed “Arc of Friendship,” was adjudged the best landmark among over a hundred participants in the country's first inter-town/city landmark-making contest. The arc, situated in front of the municipal hall, was chosen for perfectly epitomizing the spirit of Christmas even amidst the challenges of poverty.

“A small town besting other big cities and municipalities in a prestigious competition like this is truly a huge success and honor. This only goes to show that no matter how poor you are, you can still excel in whatever challenges in life as long as you work together and give your 100% effort,” said Naawan Municipal Mayor Dennis L. Roa.

Mayor Roa said that joining competitions during Christmas is nothing new to the people of Naawan. Christmas symbol-making contest has become a yearly activity of his administration, held as an inter-barangay competition to showcase the spirit of the bayanihan through creativity of each barangay. Joining the Lady’s Choice competition this year has made them decide that they were ready to face bigger challenges no longer competing with one another, but joining hands to compete with other cities and municipalities.

According to Mayor Roa, “The Arc of Friendship” was a labor of love for Naawenos. More than a hundred people from different affiliations – the Association of Barangay Captains, Naawan Electrician Association, non-government organization Karacho, the Philippine Independent Catholic Church, United Church of Christ and the town’s own parish church – worked hand in hand to build the landmark that traverses the national highway.

“The people started the construction of the arc in October and successfully finished its completion by early this month,” Mayor Roa explained. “We’ve decided to call it ‘Arc of Friendship’ because it connects two cities – the Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.”

Building the landmark truly brought out the innate ingenuity, faith in one another and sense of hard work in each and everyone involved in the project. Through pieces of bamboo and coconut lumber as well as various decorative materials like straw mats and Christmas lights, Naawenos built a structure that symbolizes true friendship and genuine volunteerism which perfectly reflect the Filipino culture.

“At both ends of the arc stood images of people arm in arm to portray that we Filipinos are always working together in the face of trials as well as towards a progressive future for the nation. The landmark truly provides an inspiration to all of us in this time of great challenges,” Mayor Roa said.

Workers of the arc also made use of around 400 empty bottles of Lady’s Choice egg-shaped jars, one of the requirements in the competition. The mayor said those who were not involved in the actual construction of the arc gave their contribution by donating their empty bottles.

The remarkable highlights that made the Naawan landmark a winner are the belltower symbolizing our country being the only Catholic nation in Asia, and a balcony that stands for hospitality, the quality which Filipinos are greatly known for.

Mayor Roa called the arc the “Pride of Naawan.” “It connects people to the town church, municipal hall and schools, so they now have an easy access to these establishments. That’s why we believe that this is not only a product of how creative and hardworking we can be as a people, but also gives an inspiration to cross any bridge of challenge with success waiting at the other end.”

The mayor revealed that although Naawan is a poor town, it has already won so many awards because of the people’s bayanihan. The people truly give importance to this spirit that for this project, “the people worked for free and courtesy of the Naawan Electrician Association, electricity lighting the arc is also given free. That’s how dedicated our people are to show the importance of Christmas.”

With the P1 million grand prize, Mayor Roa has promised his people that he will build a creative center for them, so that the out-of-school youth could be given a source of livelihood. “I want to lead them in continuously having faith in themselves, that even though our town is poverty-stricken, we could still strive for a good future.”

Aside from the P1 million grant as the “Most Creative Town or City,” Naawan LGU also receives P100,000 as the winning team and P100,000 for the sponsoring civic group. On top of the prizes, Naawan will also be the cover in Lady’s Choice 2006 Commemorative Calendar. Regional finalists received P25,000 each.