DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — The Sanggunang Panlalawigan has earlier passed a resolution requesting Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. to declare Oct. 25 as a special non-working holiday in the province.
This marks the celebration of Buglasan Festival of Festivals in the province on Oct. 18 to 27 with around 50 events lined up for the affair.
Buglasan director Glynda Descuatan said the proclamation of special non-working holiday allows the people of Negros Oriental to celebrate and witness the Buglasan Festival.
“Although we have a lot of big events lined-up during the week but the main highlight would be Buglasan Festival of Festivals street dancing at 1:00 p.m., and at 6:00 p.m. is Buglasan Festival of Festivals ritual showdown on Oct. 25,” said Descuatan.
The provincial government has allocated a budget as subsidy funds for local government units (LGUs) that confirmed to participate in the week-long festival.
For this year, it was noted by the Negros Oriental Tourism Council (NOTC) that hosting this big event in one area at the Capitol is a challenge as the construction of the new eight- story government center at the back of the Capitol building has started.
However, the Buglasan directorate-organizer will undertake measures to manage the flow of traffic or route by thousands of revelers, aside from the participants coming in and out of the area.
“Despite this, we are still glad to showcase our culture, tradition or ethnicity and exhibit it to the public especially to our visitors,” Descuatan said.
A total of 12 LGUs are expected to participate in the festival street dancing and ritual showdown, while 23 LGUs will join the Buglasan Freedom Fair Booths.
This year’s Buglasan banners the theme “Celebrating Dedicated Public Servants, a Resilient and Supportive Constituency, and the Harvest of Progress through Destination Stewardship”.
The week-long Buglasan festival includes the following events: opening of Freedom Fair Booths, presentation of candidates of Miss Negros Oriental, and pyro musical fireworks competition on Oct. 18; civic military parade with inter-school marching band competition, push bike competition (Kids Edition), ecumenical service, and ‘Palihi’ on Oct. 19; Buglasan 4L Fun Run, Battle of the Bands, and Gandang Negrense on Oct. 20; Inter-LGU Modern Street Dance Competition, and Singing Idol Competition with Balak Competition on Oct. 21; Buglasan Negros Dive Fest, Folk Dance Competition with Balitaw Competition, Rural Folk Dance, and Western Influence Folk Dance on Oct. 22- 27; Flavors of Sidlakan Negros Pork-Based, Multi Breed Dog Show, Inter School Culinary Competition, and Miss Negros Oriental Pre- Pageant Night (Talent/Festival) on Oct. 23; Hari Ng Negros on Oct. 24; Buglasan Festival of Festival Street Dancing at Dumaguete Streets, King and Queen, Buglasan Festival of Festival Ritual Showdown, and Music Fest on Oct. 25; Grand Float Parade & Competition (City Streets), and Miss Negros Oriental 2024 on Oct. 26; Tourism Stakeholders Appreciation Night Closing and Awarding Ceremonies with Festivals of the Visayas, and Fireworks Display on Oct. 27. (JCT/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)
