The Negros Oriental provincial government, headed by Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria, has allocated over P9 million for the upscaled Buglasan Festival, set from Oct. 16 to 26.
Held every October, the Buglasan Festival is the leading yearly event in Negros Oriental that highlights the province’s socio-cultural, heritage, and tourism features.
Sagarbarria said this year’s festival will feature around 50 events, comprising the usual major highlights and some new activities.
“I feel incredibly thankful and joyful because, unexpectedly, even though it’s an election year, we have more lovely booths showcasing the local government units (LGUs) this time,” Sagarbarria said in a press conference Oct. 15.
He said that this demonstrates a sense of unity among the LGUs in the province.
Of the 25 LGUs, 23 are participating in the Buglasan Agri-Booth Fair competition, with only the towns of Bacong and Vallehermoso not joining.
Woodrow Maquiling Jr., provincial tourism executive director, said that of the total budget allocation, some P4.5 million worth of tourism projects will be given to the winners in major events, such as the booth fair and Buglasan Festival of Festivals competitions.
The Buglasan Festival will kick off with an ecumenical sunrise service today, Oct. 16 at Rizal Boulevard, and the ribbon-cutting and opening of the Buglasan Agri Booths Fair competition at sundown at the Freedom Park, also in capital Dumaguete City.
A civic-military parade will be held tomorrow morning, to be followed by the Buglasan Festival of Festivals, the biggest event that draws a large crowd of constituents and tourists each year.
On that day, 10 LGUs will take part in the festival street dancing and showdown contests, showcasing the creativity and cultural accomplishments of the people of Negros Oriental through various cultural presentations.
Other Buglasan Festival highlights include sporting events; cultural competitions in song, dance and poetry; beauty pageants; musical competitions; battle of the bands; pyro-musical competition; and a cooking contest featuring local dishes.
For the first time, the Buglasan Festival will hold an inter-school hospitality skills competition and a dragon boat exhibition match.
Some 2,000 runners are also expected to take part in the International Negros Oriental Marathon, a full 42-kilometer marathon around the city and adjacent areas.
The closing and awarding ceremonies on Oct. 26 will pay tribute to local designers through an event called “The Negros Oriental Terno Designers Competition and Gala”.
As part of the celebration, the Land Transportation Office has offered to issue free driver’s licenses to the first 400 applicants, Sagarbarria said.
The activity started on Tuesday and will run until all the slots have been given out, he added. | PNA
