The provincial government of Negros Oriental has put up PHP2.5 million in tourism projects as the Buglasan Festival kicked off here Friday.
The Buglasan Festival, held every October, is the premiere 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 this capital city.
PHP60,000 in prizes were at stake for the photo competition, while PHP 2.5 million in prizes has been allocated for the 23 booths of participating local government units that feature their culture and heritage.
Winners in the booth fair will receive tourism projects worth PHP1 million for first place, PHP750,000 for second place, and PHP 500,000 for third place.
The opening program will be highlighted by the presentation of candidates for the Gandang NegOrense and Miss Negros Oriental pageants at 6 p.m. Friday.
This year, 35 contestants, including 14 transwomen, will vie for the crown.
Other events during the opening night are 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.
Meanwhile, more than 700 security troops have been deployed to ensure public order and safety during the festivities.
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 Manuel Sagarbarria led the send-off ceremony at the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) Thursday afternoon,
In his brief message, he 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 as yet as he 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 that runs through Oct. 27. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
