MISS NEGROS ORIENTAL 2023. The winning candidates of the Buglasan Festival Miss Negros Oriental 2023 pose for a photo op during the coronation on Oct. 16, 2023. Festival organizers on Thursday (Nov. 16, 2023) shunned allegations of non-payment of subsidies for the contestants. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental Facebook)
DUMAGUETE CITY – Organizers of the Negros Oriental provincial government’s premiere festival said Thursday they have already released the funds intended to subsidize one of the activities held in October.
In a statement, Buglasan Festival 2023 director Glynda Descuatan said they were saddened by social media posts alleging the non-payment of subsidies for the Ms. Negros Oriental candidates, amounting to PHP40,000 each.
The subsidies had “long been released by the Provincial Treasurer’s Office to the participating local government units (LGUs),” citing the municipality of San Jose who received its subsidy on Oct. 19.
Candidates and handlers should take their concerns with their respective LGUs, Descuatan said, adding that the funds were no longer with the provincial government.
The organizers also urged LGUs to write the provincial government if they have concerns regarding the funding.
Some LGUs that have released the subsidies to their candidates and handlers are those of Canlaon City, Sta. Catalina, Bacong, Basay, and La Libertad.
It was the first time the provincial government has given subsidies to Miss Negros Oriental candidates.
She also denied having any knowledge of disallowances by the Commission on Audit.
The Buglasan Festival, the premiere festival of Negros Oriental, similar to the Sinulog de Cebu and MassKara of Bacolod City, showcases the province’s different cultures, heritage, and tourism destinations. It is held every third week of October. (PNA)
