P50,000 awarded to Dagupan's best nativity scene

• Source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=2&rid=951397
• Wednesday, December 28, 2016

(PNA), LAP/LVM/LVMICUA/RMA

DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 28 (PNA) -– Barangay Poblacion Oeste was declared as the big winner in this year’s Belen-Making Contest during the celebration of the Barangay Night at the city plaza on December 27, winning the grand prize of P50,000 from former House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr., former Representative Gina de Venecia, and their son Representative Christopher “Toff” De Venecia.

The winners of the contest were announced during the Barangay Night at the city plaza on December 27, attended by all village officials.

They were judged by Emmanuel Toledo of the Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS), Architect Ann Belen Gutierrez-Laforteza, president of the Architect of the Philippines, Pangasinan chapter; and Joy Josephione Mencia Rayos, senior interior design consultant of MCM Design Solution and Construction Company.

Barangay Mangin landed on second place with a cash prize of P30,000 from Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, while Barangay Pantal placed third with a cash prize of P20,000, also from Mayor Fernandez.

Both Barangays Mamalingling and Tebeng received special prize of P10,000 each from Mayor Fernandez.

Across the years, each "belen" was displayed in every barangay, but this year, the city made a new twist by providing a space along Jose de Venecia Sr. Expressway where all the ‘Belens’ (Nativity Scenes) were displayed.

This is at the Paseo de Belen, a nightly crowd-drawer in Dagupan during the entire Yuletide season.

Each "belen" was judged according to durability and stability and craftsmanship which involved technique, style and quality of work; innovation of traditional ‘belen’ format; appearance with illuminated light bulb or Christmas lights; with 20 percent for the approach of the theme.

The Paseo de Belen will still be open till January 7.