Magalang celebrates award-winning Lubenas ning Pasku
By Joey Pavia
MAGALANG, Pampanga – Magalang marked another successful staging of the award-winning “Ing Banal a Batuin – Lubenas ning Pasku” on December 12, a well-loved religious procession that gathered 25 barangays in a celebration of faith, tradition, and Kapampangan culture.
Mayor Malu Paras-Lacson was instrumental in reviving the tradition when she first assumed office as mayor of the first-class town in 2016.
In 2018, she and then Vice Mayor Norman Lacson received the first Philippine Heritage Award for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The award was handed over by then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Earlier, Magalang also won first place in the Best Practices in Community-Based Responsible Tourism (Community-Based Heritage Conservation Project/Program) category during the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and Department of Tourism (DOT) Best Tourism Practices of the Philippines Awards, also known as the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards, held in Cagayan de Oro City.
The awards were given in recognition of the revival of the religious tradition spearheaded by Mayor Paras-Lacson.
The town welcomed the Christmas season with the annual Lubenas ning Pasku, showcasing winning representations from participating barangays that highlighted community creativity and devotion.
Barangay Sta. Lucia emerged as Champion, followed by Barangay Sta. Maria in second place, Barangay Sto. Rosario in third place, Barangay San Pedro in fourth place, and Barangay San Isidro in fifth place. Barangay Sta. Maria also received the award for Best Presentation.
Mayor Paras-Lacson said the celebration is more than a competition.
“Lubenas ning Pasku continues to serve as a l living tradition that connects generations through prayer, storytelling, and community participation,” Lacson said.
She emphasized the importance of preserving the celebration, adding that the local government remains committed to keeping Lubenas ning Pasku alive for future generations.
“Lubenas” comes from the Kapampangan term derived from novenas, referring to the nine-day devotional procession held in honor of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—during the Christmas season.
