Despite the Bacolod City government not yet releasing P1.5 million in financial assistance, the Bacolod Diwali Festival proceeded as planned, kicking off on November 7 to ending on November 9.
Earlier, the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the amount on the condition that organizers liquidate their 2017 expenses. City Councilor Cindy Rojas, chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Appropriation, said the financial assistance can be released only if the Diwali Festival organizer submits their liquidation report to the city government.
“They failed to submit [the report],” admitted Diwali chairman Malkit Singh.
However, he added, they are preparing to submit their liquidation report for the 2017 festival.
Meanwhile, according to Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, this year’s celebration was better compared to the previous years because of new activities, such as Zumba at the Bacolod City Government Center.
For next year, festival coordinator Haresh Chugani said they plan to kick off festivities in Silay City.
The event aims to foster better friendship, cultural, and economic ties between the Filipino and Indian Communities in Bacolod City, thereby mutually supporting the city’s Tourism Industry.
The festival is celebrated during the second weekend of November of each year./DGB, WDJ