Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez is determined to showcase the MassKara Festival as one of the best festival celebrations in the Philippines.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Councilor Jason Villarosa, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, described the Grand Salubong on Friday as a huge success, with over 45,000 attendees.
Villarosa noted that the event was lively, with activities held on time, receiving positive feedback from both local and international visitors, who were excited about the upcoming festivities.
Key events to watch out for, according to Villarosa, include the MassKanamit Culinary Competition, Miss Bacolod MassKara, Electric MassKara, and the MassKara Street Dance and Arena Competition.
He also assured the participating barangays that they would receive their subsidies for preparation in the coming week.
Ten participants of the Electric MassKara will receive P350,000 each, while the seven barangays competing in the MassKara Street Dance and Arena Competition will get P700,000 each.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is fully prepared to secure the 45th MassKara Festival.
BCPO Director Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, in an interview with Bombo Radyo, shared that based on their assessment of the Grand Salubong, they expect even more visitors as the celebration continues.
Coronica mentioned that police officers have been required to wear visibility vests to ensure they can be easily identified in crowded areas.
Personnel have been deployed to patrol and stand by in designated areas to maintain peace and order.
Coronica admitted that one of their challenges is communication due to limited radio equipment, but they have found ways to address this issue.
The activities for MassKara Festival 2024 have drawn large crowds, as observed during the concert at the Bacolod City Government Center on Saturday night.
Police Captain Francis Depasucat, Station Commander of Bacolod Police Station 4, said that while the Grand Salubong saw many attendees, the concert attracted an even larger crowd.
He confirmed that they had prepared police deployment, and if additional support is needed, they have reserved personnel ready for immediate deployment.
Security remained tight, with the goal of ending the event without any untoward incidents.
Heavy traffic was also experienced at the Bacolod City Government Center, where many concert-goers chose to walk instead of driving or riding motorcycles to the venue due to congestion.