Negros Occ. LGUs enthusiastic in joining MassKara 2022 fest

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson today said he can already see the enthusiasm among the province’s local government units (LGU) who are eager to also join in the festivities.

This, he said despite that he has not received yet a formal invitation from Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez over a proposed collaboration between the provincial and the city governments for the upcoming MassKara Festival in October.

Lacson pointed out that he hopes the local government units still have a budget for the festivities.

“I don’t think anybody budgeted for the Panaad Festival, I hope they can find sources for them to open their LGU booths in the celebration of the MassKara,” Lacson said.

Previously in March, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz stated that the province could have also celebrated the Panaad sa Negros Festival this year.

The Panaad sa Negros Festival is done yearly during the month of April, but it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, the Panaad Park and Stadium where the yearly event is being held, has undergone renovation works.

As Lacson has already ordered for the renovation works to be expedited in time for the MassKara Festival, he has also encouraged the LGUs in the province to participate in the upcoming festivities.

Earlier, Diaz revealed that he had a meeting with Benitez with regards to a possible collaboration between the city and provincial governments.

The provincial government is also studying the possible use of the stadium including the local government unit (LGU) booths as an expo venue during the festivities.

Benitez had also written a letter to Lacson asking him if the Panaad Park would be available in time for the festivities which would run from October 1 to 22.

Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez, who also leads the Association of Chief Executives in Negros Occidental has also committed in joining the festivities pointing out that some mayors in the province also miss holding the Panaad Festival.

“There will also be events there during the Masskara. Our tourism officers and mayors in the province are looking forward to the opening of the Panaad Stadium and their respective booths there,” Diaz added.

If the plans will push through, it will be the first time that the MassKara Festival will be held at the Panaad Park and Stadium, and it will become third main venue after the Bacolod City Public Plaza, and the Lacson Tourism Strip.* (DGB)