(Infographicfrom the Masbate Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office's Facebook page) LEGAZPI CITY - In time for the celebration of Bagat Dagat Festival, President Rodrigo Duterte has declared June 24 a special non-working holiday in the province of Masbate. "It is fitting and proper that the people of the province of Masbate be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea said in Proclamation 1388. However, the proclamation reminded the public to observe public health measures imposed by the national government to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Nonielon Bagalihog Jr., Masbate information officer, said in a social media post the declaration was requested by the provincial chief executive to give the people of Masbate time to celebrate the festival. "Bagat-Dagat which means 'to meet and to celebrate is a festival celebrated for 10 years already. The brainchild of this festival is our Governor Antonio Kho,'"he said. The Masbate Provincial Tourism Culture and Arts Office posted information with regard to the events from June 23-24 at the Lagoon, Matayum, Cataingan town. The activities include a "thanksgiving mass, fluvial parade and fluvial boat decoration contest, beach volleyball tournament, Dragon Boat competition, Henna tattoo contest, motorboat race, Sibidan race, line fishing contest, kite flying contest, and fire dancing contest," the post added. Likewise, there will be a mural painting contest, motor show competition, and fireworks display, among other events. (PNA) }