ORMOC CITY, Dec. 2 -- Ormoc City has transformed its public plaza into a festive holiday destination with the unveiling of a giant flower-inspired Christmas tree that celebrates the city's rich biodiversity.

Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and her husband, Leyte 4th District Rep. Richard Gomez, led the lighting ceremony on Monday night, which drew thousands of residents and visitors.

"We really tried to dress up our plaza since this is the place of convergence for everyone, especially this Christmas season," Torres-Gomez said.

"The Christmas tree showcases our environment as a central theme because we are all stewards of nature, and we continue to see how climate change affects us," she added.

Designed by world-renowned Filipino industrial de...