• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Mayor Greg Gasataya said July 20 that any adjustment in the permit fee for running events in Bacolod City must be fair to both the local government and event organizers.
His statement followed a formal request from the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) for the city government to replace the current flat fee of P100, with a tiered rate reaching as high as P100,000 for ultra-marathons.
“Perhaps, what we need is a fee that is acceptable and fair to both the city and the organizer because we also don’t want a situation where, because of the fees, they will just choose not to hold the event here in Bacolod,” Gasataya said.
The BTTMD is requesting the fee hike to offset the city government’s expenditures in managing traffic, route mapping, and deploying safety personnel during races.
Per the BTTMD’s proposal, minimum permit fees would start at P10,000, while distances up to 10 kilometers would cost P20,000.
Fees for routes spanning over 10 to 21 kilometers would be at P50,000, about P75,000 for races up to 42 kilometers, and P100,000 for ultra-marathons exceeding 42 kilometers.
“Maybe, we can look at the numbers, not so much the distance for the participants, because the organizer can already project how many will join their run when they apply for a permit. Just something acceptable and fair to everyone so that the runs can still continue,” Gasataya added.
The mayor emphasized his intent to protect organizers and participants from excessive financial burdens, to keep sports tourism and health-oriented activities accessible.
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is expected to review and act on the BTTMD proposal soon. | TMD
