The Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila lit up its towering Christmas tree on Monday, November 23, 2020, in a virtual ceremony that evening.
PLM’s tree lighting ceremony was held simultaneously with the unveiling of the City of Manila’s own tree at the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
The façade of the PLM campus in Intramuros lit up with a colorful tree that carries a special theme to commemorate the struggles faced by Filipinos this year. The decorations stand to honor this year’s heroes – our country’s frontliners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The angels attached to the tree represent doctors, nurses, policemen, and military officers who have dedicated their time, skills, and resources –– some, even their lives –– as they attend to each person struggling with the coronavirus, nursing them back to health despite the risks they face. Others manned checkpoints and ensured the safety of our health workers so that they can carry out their duties properly despite looming threats.
More than a gesture of thanks, PLM’s Christmas tree stands as a symbol of hope that Filipinos can pull through this unprecedented crisis that struck the country, with the guidance of our hardworking and selfless frontliners.
“This is the hardest year we have all had to face, but we look towards Christmas with renewed hope and recharged spirits. We mark this celebration a month ahead of Christmas to give us something to look forward. We will get through this pandemic together –– although for now, we resort to virtual cheers, hugs, and merriment,” PLM President Emmanuel Leyco said.
“From my family to yours, we wish members of the PLM Community a merry Christmas,” President Leyco added.