BACOLOD City – The city government has announced a 15-day road closure along portions of North and South Capitol Roads starting 11 p.m. on November 10 until 11 p.m. on November 24, to give way to preparations for the Terra Madre Asia and Pacific 2025 (TMAP 2025).
The international event, which celebrates farmers, fisherfolk, and food communities, will take place from November 19 to 23 at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol grounds, said Atty. Reuben Mikhail Sabig, head of the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD).
Sabig explained that the early road closure was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to allow organizers to set up event venues and ensure public safety.
The affected routes include Mandalagan and Bata public utility jeepneys (PUJs), which will follow temporary detours during the closure period.
Under the rerouting scheme the Bata-bound PUJs from the north (Barangay Bata) will turn right at 13th Street, then turn left to Gatuslao Street. Meanwhile, the Mandalagan-bound PUJs from the south via Gatuslao Street will turn right at 12th Street, then turn left to Lacson Street.
Temporary parallel parking will be allowed along Gatuslao Street, while additional parking spaces will be available along Aguinaldo Street, from North Capitol Road to 12th Street.
“We recognize that many are still regaining normalcy after the recent typhoons. Rest assured, our teams are working closely with local authorities to ensure safety and make necessary adjustments,” the event organizers said in a statement.
TMAP 2025 will gather over 2,000 delegates from more than 20 countries across Asia and the Pacific, including India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
With the theme “From Soil to Sea: A Slow Food Journey Through Tastes and Traditions,” the five-day event will bring together farmers, fishers, indigenous leaders, chefs, academics, youth, and cultural advocates to celebrate food biodiversity and promote sustainable food systems.
Among its highlights are the Foodways Exhibition, featuring four staple ingredients—rice, spices, soy, and taro—and the Community Kitchen, which will showcase the culinary heritage of Bacolod’s 61 barangays in one vibrant “living cookbook.”/PN
