PATINA-Y, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Philippines – Preparation for the grand celebration of the “2011 Naliyagan Festival” in the land-locked province of Agusan del Sur in the Caraga Region went into high gear as organizers and officials on Monday declared an “all systems go” for the event.

The “Naliyagan Festival” is an annual festivity in Agusan del Sur that depicts the province’s rich culture and heritage.

Some activities are slowly hitting the ground at the provincial sports complex while the formal opening of the activity will take place on June 12, in time with the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, which include the “Panawagtawag” or calling of the good spirits, wreath-laying at the Rizal monument, concelebrated mass, and the opening parade at the Naliyagan Plaza, and a job fair will be conducted, to be followed by the “Serbisyo Publiko sa Naliyagan” in the afternoon.

In a statement, organizers of the event which is closely supervised by the provincial governor’s office said the “Serbisyo Publiko” is open to anybody who wishes to avail of the government’s services at the “Naliyagan Plaza,” while enjoying the atmosphere of the festivity.

While the free medical services will be spearheaded by the Provincial Health Official under Dr. Joel Esparagoza.

The environment office will also display samples of tree seedlings for free distribution to those who wish to venture into tree farming.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross will be ready to extract blood from donors, side by side with the National Bureau of Investigation and the National Statistics Office that are ready to process applications for clearances and authentication of birth certificates, respectively.

The Information Technology unit of the provincial government will also set up a booth for the issuance of the Community-Based Management Information System identification cards, while the emergency and rescue team will be conducting drills.

A cultural show will start the evening activity on the opening day, organizers said, where the public can witness the revival of the culture of the natives of Agusan del Sur, then the Agusan beauties will be presented as an initial activity for the search for “Bae Naliyagan” where they will also demonstrate their individual talents.

At 9 p.m., a fireworks display will be conducted, while live bands will perform until the evening ends on the opening day of the weeklong “Naliyagan Festival.”

Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward G. Plaza said several programs are already lined up for the big celebration where top national and regional officials from various line agencies of the government are expected to attend.

“We are ready to make this activity a very successful one,” he added.