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DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental’s provincial government, through its provincial disaster risk reduction and management office (PDRRMO), on Thursday assured of public safety during the Buglasan Festival grand showdown and street-dancing competition amid the continued threat of Tropical Storm Kristine this weekend.
PDRRMO chief Adrian Sedillo said in an interview that emphasis is placed on the Buglasan Festival activities although the provincial government’s special advisory on preparedness and mitigation measures covers the entire province.
The special advisory was posted on the provincial government’s Facebook page to alert people and provide tips on disaster preparedness, especially as the weather bureau has projected Negros Oriental to experience rains until Sunday, Sedillo said.
The Buglasan Festival began on Oct. 18 and will end on Oct. 27.
Twelve contingents from the towns and cities will present their respective religious/cultural festival dances on Friday, the highlight of the annual festivities.
The Palace has declared Oct. 25 as a special non-working holiday in Negros Oriental to allow constituents and other people to take part in the festivities and watch the grand showdown and street-dancing competitions to be held in this capital city.
Sedillo said they have already identified exit points at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex ballfield, the venue for the grand showdown.
Security forces will also be deployed to the venue where VIP guests, including some senators, will be seated for the showdown presentation on stage.
Meanwhile, the provincial engineer’s office has installed carpet on the stage for the safety of the dancers in case of a rainy day.
A social media post said some dancers from Sibulan town who were practicing their routine on the Buglasan stage were injured after they slipped on the wet floor.
More than 700 security personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and other law enforcement units and
civilian support groups have been deployed for the Buglasan Festival.
Source: Philippines News agency
