Valenzuela City’s humble Christmas Tree, known as the Tree of Hope, was lit for the out-of-school youth in the city in hope of reintegrating them to the mainstream of society and to encourage them to take part in the continued progress of the city and the country.
Over the years, the activity, a tradition started by the City Government of Valenzuela in 2004, ushers in the joyful and meaningful celebrations of the Yuletide Season in the City of Valenzuela. The tradition continues this year with the theme “Liwanag Para sa Kabataan, Maunlad at Matahimik na Pamayanan.”
The Tree of Hope was lit in 2004 for the children of KASARIVAL and HARV who were displaced by the Northrail Project. It was again lit in 2005 for specially-abled children of Valenzuela; in 2006, for the Senior Citizens of the city; in 2007, for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) students, in 2008 for the children of city street sweepers, paleros and kamineros, in 2009, for the victims and heroes of Typhoon Ondoy in the city and last year.
Every year, Valenzuelanos look forward on how the Tree of Hope will be dressed up. This year, the tree is covered with twigs and adorned with faux poinsettia flowers and metallic balls. For the first time, there are two smaller trees installed beside it.
Everyone is encouraged to visit Tree of Hope, especially at night when it is fully-lit.