The proposal of the Negros Oriental Tourism Council to transfer the venue for the Buglasan Festival 2012 to the Capitol grounds was rejected by several local government officials, citing impracticality and budgetary constraints.

Gov. Roel Degamo, NOTC chair Nichole Elman, and Provincial Tourism officer Myla Abellana discussed the proposal with the mayors and tourism officers during a consultative meeting.

Mayors Manuel Sagarbarria of Dumaguete, Edcel Enardecido of Ayungon, Amor Baldado of Manjuyod, Valente Yap of Bindoy, and Rene Gaudiel of Bayawan attended the meeting, while other LGUs sent their town and city tourism, and planning and development officers.

Elman said the transfer of the venue was proposed by concerned citizens and the private sector, and after the survey conducted showed that 80 to 85 percent of the respondents favored the move.

But Gaudiel said the P100,000 subsidy offered by the provincial government is not enough to build a presentable Buglasan booth of international quality.

Yap suggested that the booth at the Sidlakang Negros Village be enhanced, while some festival activities will be held at the Freedom Park to provide enough space for audience and visitors.

The officials also committed their support to the festival that will be held October 14 to 23.*MA