Negros Oriental opens 37th Buglasan Festival

DUMAGUETE CITY — The 37th edition of Negros Oriental’s Buglasan Festival got off the wraps Saturday, with local government units (LGUs) and barangays participating in the festival’s street dancing showdown here while other festivities, exhibits and activities perked up the provincial capitol grounds.

“Exactly ten days from today, we will celebrate the 37th edition of Buglasan Festival in the province of Negros Oriental. It is a time of thanksgiving and merry-making for our people,” said Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo.

Degamo said this year’s celebration reflects the provincial government’s commitment to make the province a premier eco-tourism destination.

“We have arranged a bunch of activities for the entertainment of our foreign and local visitors alike,” he said.

Degamo said other activities and highlights of the 12-day festival are the 2018 Festival of Festivals street dancing and showdown competition, Miss Negros Oriental 2018, awarding of the 2018 Sidlak NegOrense for Humanitarian Service winners, and the different cultural dance and musical performances in key areas around the city.

Buglasan Festival co-chairman Dr. Nichol Elman explained that the Buglasan Festival is Negros Oriental’s “Festival of Festivals”.

He said within the 10-day festivities, towns and cities in the province will showcase their own local culture, artistry, craftsmanship, and talents of its residents.

“Buglasan Festival is where they can also get to feature their top local tourist attractions and promotions at their respective LGU booth,” Elman added.

Among the 20 LGUs and barangays confirmed to compete in the Festival of Festivals showdown and street dancers from Dumaguete City, Sibulan, Pamplona, Manjuyod and Mabinay while the competing barangays are Barangay Asagra and Sta. Cruz Nuevo in Tanjay City, Barangay Cadawinonan and Barangay Tinago in Dumaguete City.