The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
And in celebration of His coming, lights flood around the world, even in rice farming communities in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. In Brgy. Maligaya, the tower of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) sends off a sense of happiness as lighting the structure gathered the rice farming households, researchers, and the general public on Dec. 3.
An annual tradition since 1991, the tower lighting symbolizes goodwill, which helped PhilRice in developing new varieties and technologies.
First ignition in 1991
Architect Rene B. Bajit recalled that during the first years of PhilRice, the tower and the laboratory building were the only edifices in the institute. Besides being a symbol of celebrating the festive holidays in the country, the tower is also a symbol of the institute’s history.
The traditional giant five-point star placed at the top was the hallmark of the first tower lighting. This star was illumined by blinking bulbs and was used for three consecutive years, only changing its wrapping every year.
Below this piece, the inscription of the institute’s name which is made of copper, was polished, and then surrounded by white bead-like lights to make an impression of floating inscription. These bead-like lights then flow continuously from the top part to the ground like curtains. This design would be the typical look of the tower year by year, with few variations like using the colored lights to form shapes like that of a spruce tree.
John De Leon, a former PhilRice plant breeder, proposed the tower lighting as an annual tradition in 1991. Fireworks were then added in the ceremony in 1995.
Open gates in 1998
Illuminating the tower was exclusive to PhilRice staff until 1998 when guests were invited in the ceremony. Live bands, concerts, and competitions started to put more excitement in the tradition. Institute neighbors like the Maligaya Elementary School also became an annual performer in the event.
2010 onwards
According to Bajit, the tradition became one of the most awaited events of the year starting 2010 as its designs became more thematic such as the PhilRice 25th anniversary, National Year of Rice 2012, and Gusto Ko Milyonaryo Kayo in 2014.
This year, the LED technology was highly utilized in giving shape to the giant parol, a traditional Filipino Christmas symbol, that clothed the tower bearing.
Dressing the tower
Around 20 people are involved in preparing the tower. As the lighting is also an extension of the anniversary celebration, Bajit said that the people assigned in conceptualizing the anniversary would also think of the tower’s look.
Conceptualizing takes about three weeks, and the concept will then be translated to 3D simulation through computer software. Once the design is approved, the Physical Plant Division will start working on the handiworks, which takes about two weeks.
It is hard to separate this structure and its annual tradition from the image of PhilRice. In a rural landscape where skyscrapers are rarely seen, this tower serves as an identifying device for the Institute to be remarkable in the area, besides being known for its rice research.
