BACOLOD City — Food stalls at the Bacolod City Public Plaza and Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) Grounds generated more than P21.5 million in combined sales during the 2026 MassKara Festival, up 26.1 percent from last year despite operating for one fewer day.
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) reported that participating concessionaires at the two major festival sites recorded total sales of P21,504,187 from October 1 to 18, an increase of about P4.44 million from the P17.06 million earned during the October 1 to 19 period in 2025.
The Bacolod City Public Plaza accounted for P12,355,582 in sales, up about 4.1 percent from the P11.87 million recorded last year.
Meanwhile, the BCGC Grounds posted stronger growth, with sales reaching P9,148,605 from P5.19 million in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 76.3 percent.
Christopher Mallo, BGFI food kiosks management head, attributed the higher sales to the strong support of festivalgoers for participating concessionaires.
“The sales figures reflect the strong support of festivalgoers for our participating concessionaires. Beyond providing food and refreshments, these kiosks create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to generate income during one of Bacolod’s biggest annual celebrations,” Mallo said.
BGFI president and festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon said the figures showed that MassKara generates economic opportunities beyond its cultural and tourism attractions.
“MassKara Festival is more than a celebration of smiles and culture. It is also an opportunity to create livelihood, strengthen local businesses, and bring economic activity to our communities,” Ascalon said.
He added that the sales figures were encouraging, with further economic activity expected from other festival venues, particularly the Lacson Tourism Strip.
The strip hosted three days of activities across six stages, complemented by brand activations and entertainment programs that drew crowds throughout the celebration.
Organizers expect the area to contribute millions of pesos in additional sales, although the final amount will depend on the consolidated reports of participating concessionaires and partners.
Sales from the Lacson Tourism Strip and other festival venues were not included in the P21.50-million total for the Public Plaza and BCGC Grounds.
The higher earnings highlight the commercial opportunities created by the annual celebration, particularly for food vendors and small businesses benefiting from the influx of residents and visitors.
With its combination of cultural performances, entertainment, tourism attractions and commercial activities, MassKara continues to provide local entrepreneurs with opportunities to promote their products and generate additional income.
Guided by the theme “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma,” the 2026 festival underscored its role in promoting Bacolod’s culture while supporting entrepreneurship and stimulating economic activity, BGFI said.
The foundation said the total economic figures are expected to increase once sales reports from the remaining festival venues are consolidated./PN
