New Team to Lead MassKara Festival 2024
BACOLOD CITY – The MassKara Festival 2024 will be shaped by a new organizing team, marking a fresh chapter for this beloved event. Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that a different group will take charge of the festival’s staging this October, moving away from the Yuhum Foundation that managed previous celebrations.
This new body, yet to be formally named in an upcoming executive order, will include locals with deep knowledge of Bacolod’s culture. “We’ve asked some persons from Bacolod who have a good understanding of the city’s culture to handle the MassKara Festival 2025,” the mayor said, signaling a commitment to authentic and vibrant festivities.
MassKara Festival 2024 Set for October
The MassKara Festival 2024 will officially open on October 1, with the main events scheduled for the fourth Sunday of the month. Mayor Gasataya highlighted that this year’s festival will feature broader participation from Bacolodnons, aiming to showcase their talents and creativity through more varied activities and programs.
Preparations have been underway since May, with local officials accelerating efforts to ensure a lively and well-organized celebration. “This year, we want to involve more residents and present a richer lineup of events,” the mayor added.
Upgrades to City Infrastructure for Festival Success
In line with enhancing the festival experience, Mayor Gasataya has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to fast-track improvements to the drainage system at Bacolod Public Plaza. Past events were marred by flooding that submerged kiosks, so this upgrade aims to prevent such issues in future celebrations.
“We’ve requested the DPWH to expedite the construction of a new drainage system to prevent future problems,” the mayor stated. He emphasized the importance of having the plaza fully functional and ready for the upcoming MassKara activities.
Festival Venues and Community Revival
While the final venues for the festival’s major events are still being confirmed, Bacolod Public Plaza is expected to host a larger share of activities this year. This move is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the plaza and bring renewed energy to the city’s public spaces.
However, the MassKara Coliseum in Barangay Alijis will not be ready in time, as its construction is set to complete by December 2024. The city continues to plan accordingly to ensure all events proceed smoothly.
With the new organizing team, infrastructure improvements, and a focus on community involvement, the MassKara Festival 2024 looks set to deliver a spectacular and inclusive celebration of Bacolod’s vibrant culture.
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