Luna, Apayao

Home of the once war-ravaged Marag Valley, Luna, Apayao's entry to Christmasterpiece: Bayanihang Pasko 2005 is one heartwarming story. The town's entry showcased how good leadership and unity among townsfolk can beat all odds. A third class municipality located at the hinterlands of Luzon, Luna was once inhabited by head-hunting lumads. Over the years, the lumads were replaced with insurgents who managed to make a stronghold at the vast Marag Valley. For years, internal conflict in the area had been fierce, making development in Luna a distant dream to be reached. But with the resolve and cooperation of national and local officials, peace had been slowly attained.

Thus, Luna's entry to Christmasterpiece have become symbolic of sorts. And this once rebel-infested municipality had all the reason to celebrate. With the armed conflict still fresh in the minds of people, coming together as one community in bayanihan spirit was truly one affirmation of the town's newfound peace. What more, the first three barangays which brought in their share of the Christmasterpiece entry were those from the Marag Valley.

Luna's Chrismasterpiece, a three-deck Christmas Tree, was a fruit of love of all sectors in the town. Standing in the middle of the town plaza, the giant Christmas tree is made of anahaw leaves (which grow abundantly in all the town's 22 barangays), bamboo, rattan, twigs and wild vines all contributed by the barangays. Giant lanterns made of indigenous and recycled materials hang all over the town plaza.

A belen is housed in the lower level of the tree while the next level serves as the viewing deck. In front of the giant Christmas Tree is a big sledge with a carabao at the helm carrying local products as symbolic gifts to the people.

At least 1,000 Lady's Choice egg-shaped jars were used in Luna's Christmasterpiece – recreated into chandeliers, candle holders, lamps, oil lamps, food storage jars, etc. A star with 22 bottles stands on top of the giant Christmas tree, with each bottle representing the town's 22 barangays.

Inter-barangay cooking contests and skills training were conducted to produce empty bottles. Earlier on, Mayor Verzola had to order the products from Tuguegarao because there were no more stocks in Luna.

Over-all, Luna's landmark depicts the bayanihan spirit as well as perseverance of Lunanians. The first-ever landmark of its kind in the whole of Apayao, Luna's Christmasterpiece according to the Mayor, is a reminder of God's unending love for His people. Likewise, it is a reminder to people that despite the challenges and political crisis of our country, Chirstmas is a time for reconciliation, peace and love.