By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) has implemented a full road closure on a portion of Lacson Street starting at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22, until 5 a.m. on Oct. 28.
BTAO Deputy Jose Antonio Robello said the early ingress is to allow the installation of stages, booths, and kiosks for the upcoming Food and Music Festival along the Lacson Tourism Strip from Oct. 25 to 27.
Organizers will set up six stages for performers, including the band Cueshe and other national entertainers.
The road closure will cover the stretch from the intersection of BS Aquino Drive and Lacson Street to the intersection of South Capitol Road until Sunday at 5 a.m.
All vehicles, including public utility vehicles traveling northbound, are advised to use Gatuslao Street, while those heading southbound will need to pass along Aguinaldo Street.
A one-way traffic scheme will be enforced on both Gatuslao and Aguinaldo streets.
“Huge stages will span the Lacson Strip, which is why we must implement a full road closure for safety reasons,” Robello said.
Motorists can also detour along BS Aquino Drive and San Juan Street.
On Oct. 26, a full road closure will be enforced from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Circumferential Road, from The Upper East Avenue (Megaworld) to St. Francis Street, for the Elektroika Diva and Float Parade.
The parade will start at The Upper East Avenue and proceed to the Bacolod City Government Center.
A partial road closure of The Upper East Avenue is scheduled from Oct. 23 to 27 for the MassKara Festival Food Fest.
With heavy traffic expected during the MassKara Festival highlights, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), in cooperation with BTAO, has designated the Bacolod Negros Occidental Economic Highway (BANOCEH) as a detour, especially for cargo and cane trucks.
“We have to provide options for haulers, but an ordinance is needed to fully enforce the use of BANOCEH. Right now, it’s just a suggestion due to the festival, but the truck ban along Circumferential Road is pending approval by the city council,” Robello added.
For the 45th Smilestone MassKara Festival Street Dance & Arena Competition on Oct. 27, a full road closure will be in effect from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., from the Bacolod City Government Center replica beside Bacolod Public Plaza on Araneta Street to the Paglaum Sports Complex on Hernaez Street.
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation, in cooperation with the Bacolod City Police Office, will strictly prohibit sharp objects and tumblers inside the sports complex. Persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, pregnant women, and children under 10 years old will not be allowed entry. Admission is free, but on a first-come, first-served basis.
The MassKara Festival is the heart and soul of Bacolod, showcasing the city’s creativity, pride, and spirit. Spectators are expected to fill the streets for vibrant performances, culminating in an exciting showdown at the Arena Competition.
