NEGROS ORIENTAL, Oct. 14 (PIA) — President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III has officially declared Friday, October 24, 2014 as a special non-working day in the province of Negros Oriental through Presidential Proclamation No. 888 that was approved on October 9 through Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.
This marks the celebration of the Buglasan Festival of festivals in Negros Oriental on October 17- 26 with more than 50 events lined-up for the affair.
Earlier, Gov. Roel Degamo and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan had passed a resolution to request President Aquino to declare October 24 as a special non-working holiday in Negros Oriental.
The proclamation of special non-working holiday allows the people of Negros Oriental to celebrate and participate the Buglasan Festival.
Gov. Degamo has announced, in a press conference today, that at least eight competing festivals from different local government units and one grand slammer to present on October 24.
Festivals to compete and presentation of grand slam include Ayuquitan Festival of San Jose town; Wayboga Festival of Amlan; Hudyaka sa Bais of Bais City; Tawo-tawo, Bayawan City; Hambabalud, Jimalalud; Yagyag festival of Sibulan; Sandurot, Dumaguete City; Bodbod festival of Tanjay City; and grand slam winner, Pakol Festival of the municipality of Sta. Catalina.
The provincial government has allotted a total of P5.5 million for several events and subsidy for each LGU participating in the Freedom Fair Booth and festival competitions.
Some 18 municipalities and cities have participated in the Freedom Fair Booth which will be launched on October 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Capitol Forefront and at 8:00 p.m. the presentation of Miss Negros Oriental Tourism after which a grand fireworks display will follow.
Provincial Board Member and 2014 Co-Director Mariant Villegas said that the province augmented the festival funds with another P3.5 million, in addition to the annual regular budget of P2 million.
To decongest the huge crowd turnout expected during the festival, the Buglasan main events will be spread out in three venues, namely: Freedom Park, Sidlakang Negros Village, and Rizal Boulevard. (mbcn/JCT/PIA7-Negros Oriental)