PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has officially declared October 20, Friday, as a special non-working day in Negros Oriental through Presidential Proclamation 324 signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

The declaration was made in line with the celebration of the Buglasan Festival of Festivals in Negros Oriental on October 13 to 22 with 110 events lined up for the occasion.

Earlier, Governor Roel Degamo and the Provincial Board passed a resolution for Malacañang to declare October 20 as a special non-working holiday in the province to allow the people to celebrate and participate in the Buglasan Festival.

Degamo announced in a press conference that at least nine competing festivals from different local government units (LGUs) will participate on October 20.

Festivals to compete include Kinaiyahan Festival of Dauin, Hudyaka Festival of Bais City, Langub of Mabinay, Libod Sayaw Festival of Bindoy, Mantuod of Manjuyod, Sinulog de Tanjay Festival of Tanjay City, Sandurot of Dumaguete City, Pakol of Sta. Catalina, and Yamog Festival of Pamplona town.

rThe Provincial Government has allotted P7 million for several events and subsidy for each LGU participating in the Freedom Fair Booth and festival competitions.

Some 18 municipalities and cities are joining the Freedom Fair Booth to be launched on October 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the Capitol Forefront.

At 6 p.m., the Outstanding Oriental Negrense Award will be presented by the governor to the awardees.

To decongest the crowd turnout during the festival, the Buglasan main events will be spread out in three venues, namely: Freedom Park, Sidlakang Negros Village, and Rizal Boulevard. (PIA)