BACOLOD City — Kiosk operators are now preparing their stalls for the upcoming MassKara Festival 2026 activities, with the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) reminding concessionaires to comply with all guidelines and requirements before operations begin today, October 1.
Christopher Mallo, food park and kiosk manager at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) and Bacolod Public Plaza, said on Sept. 29 that the ingress of kiosks is currently underway, with concessionaires working to have their stalls ready for business by the festival opening.
The BGFI, this year’s festival organizer, conducted a final orientation with concessionaires a week ago, during which the rules, regulations and operating guidelines were discussed.
Mallo stressed that failure to comply with the prescribed guidelines would constitute a violation and could result in corresponding sanctions.
Entertainment activities are scheduled to begin on October 1, while the major festival events are set for October 9, he said.
Around 90 food kiosks are expected to operate at the Bacolod Public Plaza, similar to the number at the BCGC.
Kiosks along the Lacson Strip, however, will follow a different operating schedule.
Mallo said the organizer will not impose price controls on food and other products sold at the kiosks.
Pricing will be determined by individual concessionaires based on their respective marketing strategies and business approaches. The organizer will also not impose suggested retail prices on the products.
Meanwhile, strict sanitation and waste-management measures will be enforced in the kiosk areas.
Concessionaires will not be allowed to wash utensils or conduct dishwashing activities within the kiosk areas to prevent sanitation problems, pest proliferation and violations of environmental regulations, Mallo said.
Proper food handling will also be closely monitored by the City Health Office (CHO) to ensure that food is prepared, stored and served under safe and sanitary conditions.
Concessionaires are required to maintain separate containers for three types of waste — barbecue sticks; plastics and other dry materials; and food waste.
The organizer warned that repeated violations of the rules and guidelines, particularly those involving waste management and sanitation, could lead to the closure of a kiosk.
The measures are intended to maintain cleanliness, protect public health and ensure the orderly operation of festival kiosks throughout the MassKara Festival./PN
