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MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/12 January) – Kaamulan, Bukidnon’s annual ethnic festival, will be held in October instead of March.
Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri announced the postponement in his radio program last Wednesday and again at the Capitol’s convocation program Monday.
Zubiri cited lack of budget and insufficient time for preparations for the deferment of the festival to October, which is commemorated as Indigenous Peoples’ Month.
Zubiri said only Bukidnon’s two cities – Malaybalay and Valencia — and three towns would join if Kaamulan 2015 will be pursued in March.
The governor clarified however that the postponement will only be for this year.
Zubiri broached the possibility of postponing this year’s Kaamulan during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Dec. 16 last year, records at the SP show.
But he said he was leaving it to the SP to decide on his suggestion.
Bukidnon traditionally holds Kaamulan from February to March. But last year it was held in August in time for the province’s centennial celebration on September 1.
During the SP deliberations, Datu Magdalino Mayda Pandian, provincial indigenous peoples mandatory representative initially said budget should not hinder the holding of important rituals and activities of a simplified celebration.
But board member Manuel Dinlayan said that for this year it must be done in October and available money should be spent on scholarships for indigenous peoples.
The SP planned to file a resolution postponing Kaamulan 2015 tentatively to October 29 in time for the IP month celebration. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)