BACOLOD City – Contingents for the MassKara Festival 2025 should not expect an increase in subsidies from the city government, the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on tourism revealed in a press briefing on Friday, August 22.
“It’s either going to decrease or remain the same as last year,” Councilor Jason Villarosa, chair of the committee, emphasized.
The city government shoulders the subsidies for major events of the annual festival, including the street dance and arena competition as well as the Electric MassKara.
Villarosa noted that aside from the barangay category in the street dance and arena competitions, the new administration under Mayor Greg Gasataya is reviving the school category, which adds another financial responsibility.
Last year, the city granted each participating barangay P700,000 for the street dance and arena competition, while contingents in the Electric MassKara received P300,000 each.
For this year, the councilor said the exact subsidy per contingent has yet to be finalized as the city awaits guidelines from the City Budget Office. He added that subsidies for the school category may be sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF), depending on the decision of the Local School Board.
“The participation of the schools is the factor why the city cannot increase the subsidy this year,” he explained.
So far, 10 barangays have confirmed their participation in the street dance and arena competition, alongside seven schools, while more than 10 groups are expected to join the Electric MassKara.
Meanwhile, Villarosa announced that the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) will launch the official festival logo, venues, and other details on September 5.
According to BGFI, the Bacolod Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) grounds will once again serve as the main hubs of the festival, with daily events from October 1 to 19.
Festival director and BGFI president Rodney Ascalon said preparations are in full swing to bring the festival spirit to life with cultural shows, live performances, and a wide variety of food offerings.
To ensure an orderly and festive marketplace, a pre-selling orientation for food kiosk operators will be held on August 23. Only those who attend will be eligible for slots at the plaza and BCGC grounds and will receive complete guidelines.
“We are inviting entrepreneurs to be part of the festival by joining the orientation. This is their chance to showcase their products and share in the joy of the City of Smiles,” Ascalon said./PN
