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 submitted a request to the President backed by a Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution 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, the governor said.
At least eight competing festivals from different local government units and one grand slam winner will perform in the Dumaguete streets during the Buglasan Parade 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 also joined the Freedom Fair exhibit, which was launched last Friday.
Provincial Board Member and 2014 Buglasan 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. (PIA)
