• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod officials said that this year’s MassKara Festival is an opportunity to showcase the city’s economic development, infrastructure progress, and local culture to domestic and international visitors.
Speaking at the festival launch Sept. 11, Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez noted that the annual celebration serves as the city’s primary tourism driver, and a platform to present Bacolod’s developments as the third fastest-growing highly-urbanized city in the country.
“We should take this opportunity to showcase our developments, what we are doing, and show that the city of Bacolod is a place people should always visit,” he added.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, meanwhile, reiterated the city government’s support to the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., the festival’s organizer. “We assure you that whatever we have committed will be delivered.”
Gasataya added that the celebration reflects local character, talent, and hospitality, and assured that preparations are underway to accommodate arriving tourists. | TMD
