Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental provincial government, led by Governor Manuel ‘Chaco’ Sagarbarria, has earmarked a substantial budget of over PHP9 million for the enhanced Buglasan Festival, scheduled to take place from October 16 to 26.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Buglasan Festival is a significant annual event that showcases the socio-cultural, heritage, and tourism attributes of Negros Oriental. Governor Sagarbarria announced at a press conference that this year’s festival will encompass approximately 50 events, combining traditional highlights with new activities.
Governor Sagarbarria expressed gratitude for the increased participation from local government units (LGUs), noting that 23 out of 25 LGUs are involved in the Buglasan Agri-Booth Fair Competition. Only the towns of Bacong and Vallehermoso are not participating. This year’s festival budget includes PHP4.5 million allocated for tourism projects, which will be awarded to winners in major events, as shared by Woodrow Maquiling Jr., the provincial tourism executive director.
The festival will commence with an ecumenical sunrise service at Rizal Boulevard, followed by the opening of the Buglasan Agri Booths Fair competition at Freedom Park. A civic-military parade and the Buglasan Festival of Festivals, which draws large crowds, will follow. Ten LGUs will participate in street dancing and showdown contests, highlighting cultural achievements through various presentations.
Additional festival highlights include sporting events, cultural competitions, beauty pageants, musical competitions, a battle of the bands, a pyro-musical competition, and a local cooking contest. For the first time, an inter-school hospitality skills competition and a Dragon Boat Exhibition Match will be held. The International Negros Oriental Marathon, a full 42-kilometer marathon, is expected to attract around 2,000 runners.
The festival will conclude on October 26 with a ceremony honoring local designers at ‘The Negros Oriental Terno Designers Competition and Gala.’ As part of the festivities, the Land Transportation Office is offering free driver’s licenses to the first 400 applicants, an initiative that began on Tuesday and will continue until all slots are filled.