BACOLOD City — The 2026 Bacolaodiat Festival will be primarily staged at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), marking a shift from its traditional venue at the Lacson Tourism Strip.
Councilor Jason Villarosa, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said the change of venue was approved in consideration of budget constraints and the overall convenience of festivalgoers.
He noted that the BCGC offers a more accessible and controlled environment for major events, compared to Lacson Street, where large gatherings often result in heavy traffic congestion.
The city government has allocated a P5-million subsidy to support this year’s celebration, which is jointly organized by the local government and the Chinese-Filipino community of Bacolod under City Ordinance No. 426, Series of 2007.
While the main festivities will take place at the BCGC from February 20 to 22, festival activities officially kicked off earlier at SM City Bacolod on February 14. Highlights included the unveiling of a colorful centerpiece at the Main Atrium and the launch of “Chopsticks Alley” at the SMile Strip, featuring a variety of Asian dishes.
Leading the ceremonial opening were SM City Bacolod Mall Manager Julia Javellana and Bacolaodiat Festival Chair John Stephen Sy, together with Bacolaodiat Inc. officials Oddette Ong-Gomez, Caryn Keng Seng, Karla Sayat, and Michelle Chua.
The festival coincides with the 2026 Lunar New Year, which begins at midnight on February 17 and ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse. The annual celebration marks its 21st year./PN
