E.B. MAGALONA -- The municipal government of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental allocated P4 million for the five-day celebration of the 29th Ugyonan Festival this year.
Dubbed "Ugyon sa Kasadya kag Pag Asenso sang Banwa," this year's festivity kicked off Friday.
Mayor Marvin Malacon, in a press conference yesterday, said the budget for the festivity was supposed to be P5.6 million, however, the supplemental budget of P1.6 million was not approved by the council because there was no quorum during the regular session.
Malacon said the absence of some of the council members will affect the people, adding that such manner was considered as "sabotage."
However, despite the non-approval of the additional budget, Malacon assured the festivity will still push through until May 1.
Part of the town's festivity are the Trabaho Patrol and the "Tumandok Night" on the opening day.
They will also showcase the town's best products and food in a food festival village in front of the municipal hall during the whole duration of the festival.
There are various programs and activities as well as fireworks display from April 27 to May 1.
The Coronation Night of Lin-Ay Sang Ugyonan will be on April 30 with celebrity Young JV, as well as the Ugyonan Street Dancing Competition (sectoral group) to be held at the public plaza.
On May 1, Ugyonan Street Dancing Competition (barangay category) will be held at the public plaza.
Senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV may grace the festivity.
Meanwhile, Malacon said the cases filed by Vice Mayor Robert Acaling against him and the six municipal councilors before the Office of the Ombudsman was "politically-motivated."
Acaling charged the seven officials for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and grave misconduct, claiming that the charges are due to the alleged unscrupulous use of public funds and abuse of authority committed by Malacon in collaboration with some councilors. These include Joey Pugales, Reylan Gamboa, Isidro Gomed, Eric Matulac, Gelita Parcon, and Jovie Madayag.
The mayor also said that he has already submitted his counter-affidavits to the Ombudsman last month.
When asked if he will seek re-election, Malacon said he has a plan to run again because he wants to continue what he had started in the town but he did not elaborate further on the matter.
"Come what may," he added.
