*The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has ratified the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government of Bacolod and the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) for the conduct of MassKara Festival 2026.
The ratification was approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod Wenesday, August 26, formalizing the city’s agreement with BGFI for this year’s festival.
The MOA covers the conduct of MassKara Festival from October 1 to 25, including pre-festival activities, promotions, event screenings and the festival highlights, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed Resolution No. 956, Series of 2026, authorizing Mayor Greg Gasataya to sign the proposed agreement with BGFI, represented by its President and Festival Director Rodney Mitz Bando Ascalon.
Under the agreement, the city will assist in securing necessary permits, traffic management, road closures and security measures, while BGFI will handle festival planning, sponsor participation, promotions, staffing, vendor rentals, ticket sales and other festival operations.
The MOA also establishes accountability measures, including the submission of liquidation and fund utilization reports and the proper accounting of festival revenues.
For BGFI Board of Director and Head of Legal Affairs Hannah Lea Tañoso Dela Torre, the ratification formally confirms the City’s approval of the agreement and provides the institutional basis for its implementation.
“Ratification, in this context, formally confirms the city’s approval of the agreement and provides the appropriate institutional basis for its implementation, subject to compliance with applicable laws, rules and government requirements,” Dela Torre said.
Meanwhile, Ascalon thanked Mayor Greg Gasataya and the members of the Bacolod City Council for their support and continued partnership with BGFI.
Ascalon said the foundation will continue pursuing its aspirations of creating meaningful and inclusive activities anchored on this year’s theme, “Share the Smile, Celebrate Gugma,” while fulfilling its mission of making MassKara a #MassKaraForAll celebration.
The ratification strengthens the formal partnership between the City of Bacolod and BGFI as preparations shift into full implementation for MassKara Festival 2026.
MassKara Festival 2026 is set to run from October 1 to 18, with various cultural, entertainment and community-centered activities leading to the festival’s major highlights.*
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