In response to the request of local kiosk owners, the Bacolod City government, through the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF), has allowed all kiosk operators to set up their stalls ahead of the highly-anticipated MassKara Festival salubong on Oct. 11.
The move aims to ensure smooth business operations and fair income opportunities for vendors throughout the 17-day festival.
Kiosk owners will be allowed to begin setting up at their designated locations starting today, Oct. 9. Those at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) can begin ingress at 8 p.m., while those assigned at the public plaza can start at 5 p.m.
The advanced access provides vendors with ample time to prepare, accommodate, and offer their best services to their customers.
“Allowing early ingress is our way of supporting our kiosk operators so they can provide excellent service and take full advantage of the Festival’s business opportunities and maximize their income during MassKara,” BYF secretary and Festival director for Cultural and Accredited Events, Kuster Cadagat, said in a statement Oct. 8.
BCGC kiosks will officially open on Oct. 11, and the plaza kiosks on Oct. 12.
Local vendors are also eager about the initiative and hopeful of the positive impact it will have on their businesses.
“I’m excited about this opportunity. With the early ingress and all the events planned by the LGU and Yuhum Foundation, I am hopeful for a more successful MassKara this year,” BCGC kiosk owner Virgie Timtiman said.
Meanwhile, kiosks at Megaworld’s The Upper East can start ingress on Oct. 20 in line with their opening on Oct. 23. Kiosks at Lacson Street will follow, with ingress beginning Oct. 22 and operations starting on Oct. 25.
The early ingress initiative is part of the city and BYF’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses and ensure that visitors will experience a vibrant and successful MassKara Festival. ||
