The Joint Task Force (JTF) Buglasan 2019, chaired by Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has deployed around 340 security forces here and nearby areas, for the Buglasan Festival, which runs for 13 days this October.

Bimbo Miraflor, director of the Joint Operation Center of JTF Buglasan 2019, said on Tuesday that the security forces include personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Group, Aviation Security Unit and the intelligence community.

Force multipliers to include Traffic Management Office personnel, barangay tanod (village watchmen), Reserved Officers Training Corps cadets and military reservists were also tapped to help provide security and ensure public safety throughout the Buglasan Festival.

On Monday morning, a send-off ceremony was held for the security forces at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) just before the opening of the Buglasan Festival in the afternoon. A parade was held around this city followed by the formal opening ceremonies at the Capitol grounds.

Buglasan, the grandest of all festivals in Negros Oriental, runs from Oct. 14-27 with several activities lined up at various venues, mostly in Dumaguete.

It is the province’s premier socio-cultural and tourism event held every October to showcase the history, tradition, different cultures, heritage, and the uniqueness of each town and city.

The activities include the “festival of festivals” which features each town and city’s individual festival. This is the most awaited of all the events and consists of two parts — street dancing and the grand showdown of contingents from the participating cities and towns.

Another Buglasan attraction is the booth presentations of local government units of their distinct cultures and tourist areas.

Other activities include, competitions in singing of traditional and modern songs, dances, sports, extreme games, beauty pageants, culinary, and recognition of Oriental Negrenses, among others.

Malacañang has declared Oct. 18, 2019 a non-working holiday for Negros Oriental so the people can converge in this capital city and participate in the Buglasan festivities.

Miraflor said security forces are deployed 24/7 at the main venues as well as in areas where large crowds are expected to converge, the airport, seaports and bus and public transport terminals.

Public assistance desks are also set up at certain venues, he added. (PNA)