BACOLOD City — The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) continues to enforce traffic rules in the city, even amid the ongoing MassKara Festival 2025.
Atty. Reuben Mikhail Sabig, head of BTTMD, reported that since the start of the festival on October 1, which will culminate on October 19, traffic enforcers have apprehended about 40 individuals per night for riding motorcycles with more than one person and for not wearing helmets. Violators are issued citation tickets, and their driver’s licenses are confiscated. Sabig noted that most of those apprehended were young riders.
He emphasized that traffic rules are strictly enforced even within festival sites, including the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Tourism Strip, and Upper East Megaworld. Motorists were advised to carry and wear helmets at all times to avoid penalties.
In line with the festival preparations, portions of Lacson Tourism Strip along Lacson Street, from the intersection of B.S. Aquino to 1st Street, will have partial road closures from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on October 13 to 15 for the installation of kiosks and booths. A full road closure will take place on October 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 a.m., and from October 17 to 19, the area will be fully closed from 2 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Additionally, a section of Circumferential Road from the corner of Burgos Extension Street to St. Francis Avenue will be closed on October 17 for the Electric MassKara parade from Upper East Megaworld to BCGC. On October 18 and 19, areas along the Public Plaza will also be fully closed for the MassKara arena and streetdance competitions featuring schools and barangay participants.
Motorists are urged to follow the rerouting and traffic advisories while these temporary closures are in effect to ensure smooth traffic flow during the festival’s highlights./PN
