BACOLOD City – Around 200 police officers are being deployed across key areas for the 20th Bacolaodiat Festival to ensure the safety of the public.
The city’s Chinese New Year celebration commenced yesterday, January 28, until February 2. This year’s festivity will be held along 5th to 13th Lacson Streets, with the main festival site at the North Capitol Road.
“In collaboration with the local government unit of Bacolod City, festival organizers, and other government agencies, the BCPO led by Colonel Joeresty Coronica is committed to securing this colorful event. A sufficient number of police personnel and force multipliers were deployed to key areas to strengthen crime prevention efforts, enhance police visibility, and provide assistance to residents and visitors alike,” the BCPO said in a statement.
To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation(BTTMD) also deployed more than 35 traffic aides.
The BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit oversees road closures along sections of North Capitol Road, 5th Street extending to 15th Street and a portion of Aguinaldo Street to accommodate the festival’s main stage, food kiosks, activity hubs, and other exciting attractions.
Beginning January 26, the North Capitol Road was temporarily closed in preparation for the festival.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) had also approved the request of Bacolaodiat Inc. president John Stephen Sy to implement temporary full road closures from 5th to 13th Lacson streets effective January 28 until February 3.
This year’s activities include the following:
* Janaury 28 – Chinese New Year’s Eve Celebration and Hitting of the Bell (Yuan Thong Temple);
* January 29 – Spring Festival thanksgiving mass and Chinese New Year (SM City Bacolod Main Atrium);
* January 30 – conferment ceremony of Mr. Hans T. Sy as adopted son and honorary mayor of Bacolod and Lunar Spectacular Show;
* January 31 (North Capitol Road) – opening of the Emperor’s Market and Imperial Village, cultural show and fireworks display;
* February 1 – Snake Emperor and Empress Costume Design Contest, and street dance and lantern dance competition; and
* February 2 – street dance and lantern dance repeat performance and awarding ceremony (SM City Bacolod Main Atrium, Chinese Cosplay Invasion (North Capitol Road), and street and lantern dance competition 2025 champion repeat performance (Megaworld The Upper East).
Bacolaodiat, a celebration to welcome the Chinese New Year in this city, was coined from the words “Bacolod” and “Lao Diat” (Chinese phrase for celebration). It is jointly held by the city government and the Chinese community of Bacolod annually in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year under City Ordinance 426, series of 2007./PN
