THE office of Governor Roel Degamo has sent a request to Malacañang to declare October 21 (Friday) as special non-working day in the province.
The date marks the celebration of the Buglasan Festival of Festivals in Negros Oriental, with more than 80 events lined up for the celebration.
The festival week will be on October 14 to 23.
The request for proclamation of special non-working holiday allows the people of Negros Oriental to celebrate and participate in the Buglasan Festival.
Degamo announced in a press conference recently that there are at least eight competing festivals from different local government units (LGUs) on October 21.
The participating festivals are: Hudyaka sa Bais of Bais City; Sandurot of Dumaguete City; Langub festival, Mabinay; Anihan festival, Manjuyod; Pakol Festival of Sta. Catalina; Inagta festival, Siaton; Yagyag festival, Sibulan; Bodbod festival of Tanjay City; Guinhulugan festival of Guihulngan City; and Hambabalud of Jimalalud.
The Provincial Government has allotted a total of P5 million for several events and subsidy for each LGU participating in the Freedom Fair Booth and festival competitions.
More than 15 municipalities and cities are expected to participate in the Freedom Fair Booth, which will be launched on October 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Capitol Forefront. At 8 p.m. is the presentation of Miss Negros Oriental Tourism. After which, a grand fireworks display will be held.
To decongest the huge crowd turnout expected during the festival, the Buglasan main events will be spread out in four venues, namely: Freedom Park, Sidlakang Negros Village, and Rizal Boulevard and Robinsons Dumaguete. (PIA)