Some 30 personnel from various government agencies are rushing to finish work on the giant Christmas tree at the parking lot of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multipurpose Center in Susupe in time for Friday\u2019s lighting ceremony.<\/p>\n
The Christmas tree is a joint project of the offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor, with the help of the Women\u2019s Affairs Office and the Lady Diann Foundation of Diann Tudela Torres, the wife of acting governor Ralph DLG Torres.<\/p>\n
Lucy Aldan, who is supervising the project, said they are a bit behind in putting up the Christmas tree since some of the personnel helping them have been busy with the typhoon debris cleanup.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have done this every year but we\u2019re a bit behind schedule because of the typhoon. With the help of personnel from the Department of Public Works, and Parks and Recreation, and the inmates we would be able to finish on Friday,\u201d Aldan told Saipan Tribune yesterday.<\/p>\n
Parks and Recreation personnel Ike Santos, Ruben Acebo, Manny Cabrera, and Ike Camacho said they have been doing this project for more than 10 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re the same group that has been helping put up the Christmas tree every year. Maybe we\u2019re good at it,\u201d Camacho said with a laugh.<\/p>\n
Director Drew, who was also at the Multipurpose Center\u2019s parking lot to check the ongoing project, said one reason why it\u2019s taking so long is they are making sure the Christmas tree is secure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re trying to make sure the tree will withstand strong winds or a possible typhoon that may pass Saipan. They are welding a steel base around the tree,\u201d Drew said. \u201cWe don\u2019t want somebody get injured or a passing car be damaged from a fallen tree. Safety is our top concern here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spotlights were also put up in order for all personnel to work up to 7pm last night.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully by [tonight] the garlands, lights, and other ornaments will be in place. Our target is to finish by Friday and there will be a simple ceremony in lighting the Christmas tree,\u201d said Drew.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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