By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has approved the requests of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for the upcoming MassKara Festival in October.

In his letter, Benitez requested the utilization of the Paglaum Sports Stadium for the MassKara Arena Competition and closing ceremony on October 22.

Benitez has also asked for the temporary closure of portions of the North and South Capitol Road to be used as the Lacson Tourism Strip from October 19 to 22.

The city mayor has also requested the governor for additional personnel from the provincial government to support the efforts of the Bacolod City General Services Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and security enforcement groups.

Earlier, provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the use of the Paglaum Sports Stadium would be for free.

The provincial government also prepares to assign additional manpower and security personnel to assure the safety of the festival goers.

The MassKara Festival is set to begin on October 7.

Its opening salvo will kick off with a countdown party at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds on October 6./DGB, WDJ