BACOLOD City – Due to the adverse weather caused by Tropical Storm Kristine last week, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has extended the operation of MassKara Festival food kiosks until October 31.
Initially set to conclude on October 27, the extension was announced by the mayor during the MassKara Festival ElekTroika Diva and Float Parade on Saturday, October 26.
The extension applies to three of the festival’s four main locations: Bacolod Public Plaza, Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), and The Upper East.
The Lacson Tourism Strip on Lacson Street is excluded to prevent traffic disruptions.
The decision was supported by Councilor Celia Flor, head of the Sangguniang Panlungsod committee on markets, and Councilor Jason Villarosa, chair of the committee on tourism. Both recommended the extension to support food vendors and the public who faced difficulties attending the festival due to the inclement weather.
To further boost sales for the food kiosks, Mayor Benitez pledged P2.5 million in food vouchers, to be arranged by the city council.
The vouchers, distributed through barangays, will enable residents to purchase food from participating kiosks, allowing vendors to earn despite the weather disruptions.
The vouchers, which carry specific amounts, will later be reimbursed in cash to ensure the vendors receive fair compensation./PN
