Palace declares March 10 a special non-working day in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Saturday declared March 10 as a special non-working day in Bukidnon. The declaration is contained in Proclamation No. 1461, signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita by authority of the President, to enable Bukidnon residents to celebrate the 91st founding anniversary of the province with appropriate ceremonies. Bukidnon, known as the food basket of Mindanao and the “Pineapple Capital of the Philippines," became a regular province on March 10, 1917. Highlighting the province’s 91st Foundation Day is the “Kaamulan Festival (social gathering)" that was conceptualized in 1974 in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of Bukidnon. The festival features agricultural and livestock shows, cultural, sports and thanksgiving activities, and street dancing featuring the indigenous people from the different hill tribes of Bukidnon. - GMANews.TV