Politics tainting Buglasan Festival?

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — All is set for Negros Oriental’s Buglasan Festival of Festivals 2018 this October.

Governor Roel Degamo was however informed that not all local government units in the province will be participating in this year’s Buglasan festivities, reportedly due to politicking.

Degamo said he understood this predicament because October is filing period for the local elections next year, similar to 2016 when elections was forthcoming. That year, mayors who were aligned with the political camp of his challenger, refused his invitation to join in the provincial fiesta celebration.

The governor insisted though that non-participation of some LGUs this year will not hamper the province’s Buglasan, which he said is not for the mayors but for the people of Negros Oriental.

The Buglasan Festival of Festivals should not be politicized because this is a showcase of talents, culture and the arts of Negrenses, a time for individuals to present their talents to visitors and tourists alike. This is also the best time to show to the public their towns’ specialties, farm products, and tourist destinations, among others.