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Elsie Gail Ocaya, provincial tourism consultant, assured them that festival activities from February 18 to Marcy 10 have been arrange.
Provincial Board Member Roland F. Deticio (2nd district) sought the PTO's appearance during the previous session after the legislators complained they were left out in the updates.
Ocaya said the provincial government allotted P3 million for the celebration, in addition to more than P1 million in pledges by the private sector such as San Miguel Corporation.
She said the festivities assure the authenticity of the ethnic theme saying that at least 10 percent of each contingent in the street dancing competition, one of the highlights, would be participated in by Lumads (indigenous peoples) themselves. Each of the 10 participating groups to the Mardi gras competition is restricted to as many as 200 persons.
Also, Ocaya said, the indigenous sports event is also a major activity, where Bukidnon's seven tribes will play in games that feature their own sports and culture.
"It is the more ethnic side of the festival," she said.
"It's all systems go," Ocaya said in a text message to MindaNews. Ocaya told MindaNews Senate President Manuel Villar has confirmed to attend the 91st Foundation Day anniversary as guest of honor along with other guests invited by the provincial government. In 2007, the provincial government decided not to invite political figures as the festival unfolded in the run up to the 2007 national and local elections, she said. In 2006, the PTO announced the arrival of foreign dignitaries and ambassadors to the annual fest. She said, however, that embassies called off their attendance due to security concerns. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)