BACOLOD City – The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) has advised motorists to avoid areas where the 45th MassKara Festival celebrations will take place, as heavy traffic is expected during the festival.
The grand Salubong countdown will officially kick off the festivities at midnight today, October 11.
Jose Antonio Robello, BTAO deputy officer-in-charge, urged motorists to steer clear of roads surrounding the MassKara Festival venues.
The festival, which runs from October 12 to 27, will culminate in the street dance and arena competition, the event’s main highlight.
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI), in partnership with the city government, announced the route for the grand Salubong motorcade scheduled for today. Over 60 sponsors will participate in the motorcade, which will begin at 3 p.m. at Araneta Street and end at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
The motorcade will assemble near the KIA Motors showroom in Barangay Singcang-Airport and pass through Gonzaga, Gatuslao, North Capitol Road, and Lacson Street. It will continue along B.S. Aquino Drive, Hernaez Street (Libertad South Public Market), Lacson-Burgos Street, and Circumferential Road before arriving at the BCGC grounds at around 5:50 p.m.
Robello said that while no road closures or rerouting will be implemented, traffic in these areas will be briefly halted to accommodate the motorcade. Traffic enforcers will be deployed to manage the flow and ensure minimal disruption.
The BYFI, in a statement, promised Bacolod residents and visitors a grander celebration this year. Among the headliners are local pop-rock band Yuya and OPM sensation December Avenue, who will perform hits like “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig”, “Kung Di Rin Lang Ikaw”, and “Kahit Di Mo Alam” at the BCGC.
The grand Salubong will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at midnight, marking the official start of the festival.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has reiterated the implementation of traffic management measures during the MassKara Festival to ensure the smooth flow of vehicles and public safety.
A send-off ceremony for security forces assigned to safeguard the event was held on October 10 at the BCPO parade grounds./PN
