BACOLOD City – The city government is deliberating an increase in subsidies for barangays participating in the 2024 MassKara Festival’s streetdance and arena competitions scheduled for October 12 to 27, aiming to boost the grandeur of the annual event.
According to Kuster Cadagat, secretary and festival director for Cultural and Accredited Events of the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI), although the plan initially targeted 10 barangay contingents akin to last year, only seven have qualified this year.
The qualification shortfall stems from non-compliance with government subsidy liquidation requirements, leaving the barangays of Granada, 21, 35, 6, 12, Bata, and 18 in the running, each having successfully accounted for last year’s P700,000 subsidy.
With fewer participating barangays, the city finds itself with unexpected savings.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez noted, “Since we budgeted for 10 barangays and only seven are participating, perhaps we can augment the subsidy.”
He emphasized that the focus this year is on quality rather than quantity.
For those barangays failing to meet the liquidation requirements, the Commission on Audit will issue a notice of disallowance, compelling them to return the funds received, as per the mayor’s office.
The festival’s highlight, the streetdance and arena competition, will take place on October 27 at the Paglaum Stadium.
Prizes include P1 million for the champion, P500,000 for the first runner-up, and P300,000 for the second runner-up.
Cadagat also mentioned that national figures, including the family of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., have been invited to witness the event, signaling the high-profile status of this year’s celebrations./PN
