- CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod ratified the memoranda of agreement on the release of financial assistance, totaling P10.3 million, to the 21 barangays participating in the street and arena dance and in the electric float parade competitions next month.
Barangays Granada, Sum-ag, Tangub, 34, Vista Alegre, Mansilingan, Handumanan, Cabug, 21, and 40 will each receive P700,000 for their participation in the MassKara street and arena dance competition on Oct. 22.
Barangays 5, 32, 18, 14, Bata, 19, 24, Singcang-Airport, 12, 25, and 17, meanwhile, will be granted P300,000 each in financial assistance as participants in the MassKara electrika diva and electric float parade on Oct. 21.
Under the MOA, each beneficiary barangay shall submit reports on the progress of the use of funds, as well as the liquidation and fund utilization not later than 30 days after receipt of the grant from the city government.
Several members of the SP, in their regular session this afternoon, Sept. 11, meanwhile, questioned the putting up of a carnival in the football field at the back of the Bacolod Government Center, despite the lack of authorization from the city.
Bacolod Yuhum Foundation (BYF) president Katherine Matiling is requesting the use of the football field as carnival grounds, from Sept. 17 to Oct. 30, in line with the staging of the 44th MassKara Festival. Her letter-request was included in the agenda for the SP’s action Sept. 11.
“Who allowed them to already put up the carnival equipment without permit?” Councilor Em Ang said, as she noted that the BYF has yet to secure approval of the request for a carnival operation. “What happens if the request is not approved?”
Similar sentiments were aired by councilors Celia Flor and Jason Villarosa, with the former also saying she received reports that the kiosks to be put up at the public plaza will not be limited to food kiosks.
There are reports that some kiosks are for dry goods, Flor said, and stressed the need for the BYF to coordinate with the SP about these concerns./CGC
