BACOLOD CITY: Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos and big popular bands are set to join the three-week festivities in connection with the celebration of the 26th Kadalag-an Festival of Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez confirmed that Abalos will attend the inauguration of the city's evacuation center on March 14.

The celebration of the Charter Day on March 21 will be graced by the GMA artists in the afternoon, while a concert featuring Parokya ni Edgar will be held in the evening.

On March 22, actor Sam Milby will serenade the candidates of the Kadalag-an Queen during the Pageant Night.

Ben&Ben will also perform on March 23 at the New Government site, which is the Festival Site.

Benitez also revealed that his girlfriend, Negrense actress Sue Ramirez, will join Victoriahanons on March 21-24.

Meanwhile, the city government, led by Benitez, signed a memorandum of agreement with Asenso Sidlak Foundation, which will manage the different events of the festivities.

The Kadalag-an Festival is scheduled from March 14-March 24.

The Kadalag-an Festival, also called Victorias City Charter Day, is a celebration of the cityhood of Victorias City (which is every March 21).

It is a special nonworking holiday in the city by virtue of Republic Act 9643, which was signed by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on June 11, 2009.