The provincial board here requested the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (APTCAO) to provide details on the proposed utilization of the PHP26 million budget for the 50th Binirayan Festival.

The provincial board, through a resolution passed during its regular session on Monday, requested the APTCAO to appear and submit the program of work with a corresponding purchase request (PR) to ensure transparency and proper utilization of public funds on or before the event’s kickoff on Dec. 2, said Provincial Board Member Noel Alamis.

“It is deemed necessary for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to be provided with the Program of Works with corresponding PR details related to the Binirayan Festival 2024 to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation of the allocation and expenditures,” the resolution read.

Last year, the Binirayan Festival operated on a PHP13 million budget.

Vice Governor Edgar Denosta said the festival is now in its golden year, so the provincial board approved the budget as requested.

“The Binirayan Festival is the venue for unity and cooperation,” Denosta, who authored the resolution, said in an interview.

The festival will open with a food fest and fireworks display at the Evelio B. Javier Tennis Court in San Jose de Buenavista on Dec. 2.

The highlight will be on Dec. 16 with the reenactment of the historic arrival of the 10 Bornean chieftains who became the first Malay settlers in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic. (PNA)