• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) has committed to complete the improvements in the Bacolod City Public Plaza before the start of the MassKara Festival next month, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said during the grand launching of the festival at Roy’s Hotel and Convention Center in Bacolod City Saturday.
Gasataya said TIEZA will be completing the installation of lights around the plaza before October 1, while the Department of Public Works (DPWH) will also complete the installation of drainage systems around the plaza before October.
“I believe everything will be in order before the start of the MassKara Festival,” he said.
The 2025 MassKara Festival will run from October 1 to 19.
Meanwhile, MassKara Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said they have met with the ambulant vendors doing business around the plaza last week to organize them in preparation for the MassKara celebration and that they have expressed willingness to cooperate.
Hannah Lea Tañoso-De la Torre, Bacolod Gugma Foundation corporate secretary and legal affairs head, said they have met as well with the management of the Bacolod San Sebastian Cathedral and have come up with an arrangement allowing the foundation to use its property in the plaza from October, November, and December.
Christopher Mallo, head of food kiosk management, said the area will be divided into two concessions – one for souvenir items, and the other will be turned into a coffee alley where different food carts will be situated. They will also make sure that there would be no duplication of food displays in the area.*
