Security in Bacolod City has been further beefed up with 863 more policemen deployed as the MassKara Festival highlights reach fever pitch from Friday to Sunday, October 21 to 23.
The additional policemen who arrived Thursday bring the security forces in the city to about 2,500.
First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos is joining the Masskarade Ball at the SMX Convention Center Friday evening, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected at the MassKara dancers’ arena competition at the Paglaum Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
MassKara Festival director Pinky Mirano Ocampo warned of heavy traffic along Lacson Street with the closure of the Tourism Strip for concerts, sponsors stages and a food fest from Friday to Sunday.
She advised commuters to take alternative routes.
On Saturday 13 baragays will join the Electric MassKara that will kick off from Megaworld’s Upper East at 6 p.m. and will weave its way to the Bacolod City Government Center for a dance competition, Ocampo said.
Celebrities are also expected at the event, she said.
Ocampo said the public is urged to come early to avoid traffic in the area.
On Sunday the MassKara streetdance competition will start from the RCBC area at Rizal Street at 1 p.m., will pass through Araneta Street and enter the Paglaum Stadium at about 3 p.m. where the arena competition will be held, she said.
The stadium gates will be opened to the public at 10 a.m., Ocampo said.
A concert will cap Bacolod’s three-week MassKara Festival at the Paglaum Stadium Sunday night.*