Use of Paglaum stadium for MassKara event sought

The Bacolod City government and the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation are asking the provincial government of Negros Occidental permission for the use of the Capitol-owned Paglaum Sports Complex in Bacolod as venue for the Masskara Streetdance and Arena Competition, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, provincial administrator, said today.

Diaz said he asked them for the needed logistics, schedule, and a formal letter from Mayor Albee Benitez.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, for the second consecutive year will be the guests of honor during the highlights of annual festivities of Bacolod, the mayor confirmed.

Diaz clarified that the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation is recognized only by the Bacolod city government but not recognized and accredited by the provincial government.

“As a matter of procedure and protocol, it should be Mayor Albee writing Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. Upon receipt of the letter of the mayor, the governor will just approve whatever request. Then we can work with the foundation’s working team and our working team,” he added.

Diaz said the provincial government maintains the Paglaum Sports Complex and made necessary repairs since last year to make is sustainable for the visit of the President.

“We are also willing to provide manpower and security personnel during the event to ensure it is incident-free and safe for all attendees, participants and performers and the guests,” he added.

It is free for use of the city government, he said, except that we want the foundation to also “recognize the provincial government as a major sponsor.”

“We are paying for the job order employees and security personnel. If we quantify it will be a big amount,” Diaz also said.

He added that the foundation as organizer of the Masskara Foundation also requested the use of the North Capitol Road and the Capitol Lagoon and Park for a certain event as part of the festivities.

As to the conduct of the Masskara sa Panaad, the provincial government has not received any request from the foundation and it’s not in their official schedule, Diaz said.* (EYA)