By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY — The highlights of the MassKara Festival will now be permanently held every third Sunday of October instead of the fourth, following concerns over frequent weather disturbances.
Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on History, Culture and Arts, said the SP amended City Ordinance No. 09-17-820 during its regular session on Wednesday, April 2.
The ordinance, originally passed on May 24, 2017, had set the fourth Sunday of October as the fixed date for the festival’s highlights.
The amended ordinance cited that the fourth Sunday of October is often affected by rain and weather disruptions, impacting the festival experience.
Ang said the shift to the third Sunday aims to ensure more favorable weather conditions, enhancing the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of festival-goers and visitors.
She added that the change supports the successful staging of festival activities and performances.
The ordinance now declares that the City of Bacolod shall celebrate the MassKara Festival highlights every third Sunday of October to boost the event’s tourism impact.
The amendment was co-authored by Councilor Jason Villarosa, chair of the SP Committee on Tourism, and Councilor Cindy Rojas, chair of the SP Committee on Labor, Management Relations and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
In a media interview, Ang emphasized that weather disturbances during the fourth weekend of October have repeatedly disrupted the festival in recent years.
She said the decision was driven by public demand and supported by stakeholders to prioritize the safety of performers, attendees, and visitors.