The provincial government of Negros Oriental has put up P2.5 million in tourism projects as prizes in the Buglasan booth contest, with the festival kicked off kicked off Oct. 18.
The Buglasan Festival, that will run until Oct. 27, is the premier annual event that showcases the province’s socio-cultural, heritage, and tourism attractions.
The festivities began with the opening of the Buglasan photo competition and booth fair at the Freedom Park in Dumaguete City.
Some P60,000 in prizes are at stake for the photo competition, while P2.5 million has been allocated for winners of the booth fair, participated in by 23 local government units and featuring their culture and heritage.
Winners of the booth fair will receive tourism projects worth P1 million for the first place, P750,000 for second place, and P500,000 for third place.
The opening program was highlighted by the presentation of candidates of the Gandang NegOrense and Miss Negros Oriental pageants. This year, 35 contestants, including 14 transwomen, are vying for the crown.
Other events during the opening night were the traditional highlight, the Palihi, (a Cebuano term for ritual), Buglasan Moda fashion runway featuring talents of local designers, and the Ginebra San Miguel Buglasan Music Fest.
More than 700 security troops have been deployed to ensure public order and safety during the revelries.
They include personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines/Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the intelligence community.
Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, who led the sendoff ceremony at the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) Oct. 17, called on the security forces and the public to be mindful of their surroundings, noting that some quarters may be out to mar the festivities, especially with the upcoming elections.
NOPPO spokesperson, Lt. Stephen Polinar, said they have not received reports of any serious threats but assured that they are not letting their guard down with security measures already in place in anticipation of an influx of visitors, including senators, during the festival. ||
