Organizers of the Bacolaodiat Festival 2018, scheduled to run from February 15 to 18, recently backed Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who earlier voiced support for a ban of Coca-Cola products at the upcoming event, heeding the call of United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (Unifed) President Manuel Lamata.

In a statement, organizers said they are against the use of high fructose corn syrup and said the move is intended to protect and promote the local sugar industry.

Coca-Cola products were also banned from last year’s MassKara Festival.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Councilor Caesar Distrito said the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved Leonardia’s request to grant P5 million in financial assistance to festival organizers.

He said the funding will ensure a successful celebration./DGB, WDJ