Until October 27 Buglasan Festival activities extended

CEBU, Philippines — Activities of the 2017 Buglasan Festival was officially extended for five days, or up to Friday (October 27), after the Negros Oriental Provincial Board approved a resolution authorizing acting Governor Edward Mark Macias to issue the declaration.

The Buglasan extension of festivities was actually approved in principle by Macias following an emergency meeting with concessionaires on Sunday at the Sidlakan Negros Village, where they requested for it so that they  have more time to recover their investments, including rentals of stalls.

It was resolved during the meeting that, during the extended days, the Capitol would reduce its number of personnel manning the traffic, collecting garbage, and security, as well as the replacement of the sound system to be used daily.

After resolving that the extension is feasible, Macias immediately announced it “in principle” on Sunday, while acting Vice Governor Mariant Escaño Villegas also confirmed the PB had given Macias the authority to extend the Buglasan, as a matter of correct procedure.

Macias however said that he is giving local government units the discretion to either continue or not having trade displays in their respective booths, because they will have to consider payment of personnel, and shoulder extended cost of electricity, among other incidental expenses.

As of late Sunday afternoon, Macias said he was informed that at least six mayors have signified their intention to maintain their booths but he said that, for those who cannot, he was hoping they will only dismantle theirs after the extension had lapsed.

“This (the trade display) will be good because of the ongoing University Games hosted by Dumaguete City,” the acting governor added. (FREEMAN)