• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) Secretary General Dr. Koh Koon Teck and Mayor Greg Gasataya inspected the MassKara Coliseum located between Barangays Alijis and Tangub, yesterday, as the project reached 76 percent completion ahead of its targeted October deadline.
During the site visit, Teck praised the infrastructure and the high standards of Bacolod’s local hotels as the FIBA U18 Women’s Qualifiers continues to take place in the city.
He advised the city government to secure regular events to ensure financial sustainability and suggested utilizing versatile flooring to maximize the venue’s utility.
In response, City Engineer Loben Ceballos clarified that while the maple wood flooring had already been ordered, the city would utilize sports-grade rubber mats to protect the surface during different functions.
Loben Ceballos added that the facility is fully air-conditioned and is designed to accommodate 8,000 to 12,000 people and feature retractable, foldable, and movable bleachers to host sporting events, concerts, and conventions.
Meanwhile, Gasataya emphasized that the coliseum is part of a broader, comprehensive plan to upgrade the city alongside peace and order, street lighting, and hospitality infrastructure, positioning Bacolod to host major tourism and athletic events, including the Batang Pinoy 2026.*
