BACOLOD City — The Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) has implemented phased road closures around the Bacolod City Public Plaza as the MassKara Festival 2026 officially kicked off on October 1.
The traffic measures are intended to accommodate festival activities and ensure the safe and orderly movement of pedestrians, motorists, vendors, and other festivalgoers throughout the celebration.
Under the traffic plan, a full road closure will be implemented from October 1 to 18, from 3 p.m. until 3 a.m. the following day.
A final road closure will be implemented on October 19, from midnight until 5 a.m.
The BTTMD advised motorists to use alternative routes, follow traffic signs and instructions from traffic enforcers, and plan their trips ahead to avoid delays.
Festival Director and Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. President Rodney Ascalon said the October 1 activities will initially focus on the opening of food kiosks at the Public Plaza and Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
He said the festival will provide hundreds of spaces for businesses and vendors across three major festival sites — the Bacolod City Government Center, Public Plaza, and Lacson Tourism Strip.
While the MassKara Festival runs from October 1 to 18, Ascalon said the main festivities will officially begin on October 9.
“MassKara is not only about how many events we can put together. Our aspiration is to make it matter,” Ascalon said, emphasizing the festival’s role in creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, vendors, businesses, and communities.
This year’s celebration carries the theme “Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma,” which organizers said reflects resilience, friendship, family, community, generosity, and love.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city is looking forward to a celebration that preserves MassKara traditions while creating new opportunities and experiences for Bacolod residents and visitors.
The festival will feature cultural, entertainment, sports, food, music, dance, pageantry, and community activities in various areas of Bacolod City./PN
