The Antique Provincial Board has called upon the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (APTCAO) to disclose the specifics of how the PHP26 million budget for the 50th Binirayan Festival will be spent. This request was formalized through a resolution passed during the board’s session on November 25, 2024, in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique. Board Member Noel Alamis emphasized the necessity of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, urging APTCAO to present a detailed program of work and purchase requests before the festival’s commencement on December 2.
The resolution highlights the importance of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan receiving comprehensive details on the festival’s program and expenditures to ensure effective oversight. Last year’s festival was managed with a budget of PHP13 million, but this year marks the festival’s golden jubilee, prompting an increase in funding. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, who authored the resolution, noted the festival’s role in fostering unity and cooperation within the community.
The Binirayan Festival will kick off with a food festival and fireworks at the Evelio B. Javier Tennis Court on December 2. The main event on December 16 will feature a reenactment of the arrival of the 10 Bornean chieftains, marking the first Malay settlement in Barangay Malandog, Hamtic.