By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. is set to roll out hundreds of food kiosks and carts at the Bacolod City Public Plaza and the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) as part of this year’s MassKara Festival in October, signaling the return of the plaza as a major festival hub.
Christopher Mallo, head of Bacolod Gugma’s food kiosk operations management, announced during a press conference yesterday that 101 grilling kiosks will be stationed along Gatuslao, Gonzaga and San Juan Streets surrounding the plaza, while more than 40 food carts will be set up along Rizal Street.
At the BCGC, around 180 stalls for food carts and dry goods will also be made available.
Certain areas within the site will be opened for bidding to ensure uniformity and orderliness of kiosk designs, Mallo said.
Mallo said a pre-selling orientation was held last Saturday, August 23, to brief interested applicants on the guidelines and procedures for kiosk operations. The session also provided an avenue for dialogue with potential operators.
“This initiative is part of our aspiration to breathe new life into the public plaza — not only during the day but also at night. We envision a dynamic space where food, culture, entertainment, and community interaction come together,” Mallo said.
He stressed that the program is designed not just to enhance public spaces but also to support small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to showcase products, connect with new customers, and grow their businesses.
To ensure transparency and accountability, a daily sales monitoring system will be implemented. Organizers said this will help track performance in real time and provide measurable data to assess the program’s impact by the end of the season.
Rental for a 10×10-foot kiosk space at the plaza is pegged at P25,000, inclusive of electricity, covering the entire 19-day festival period from October 1 to 19.
To accommodate the expected influx of festivalgoers, organizers will allow entrepreneurs to lease up to two kiosks, with a maximum of five, depending on demand.
Strict rules will also be enforced, including a ban on ukay-ukay stalls at the plaza and the continued implementation of the “no backpack policy” for security.
Entertainment will once again be a major attraction at the plaza, with nightly live bands, performances and other activities aimed at reviving the vibrant atmosphere once synonymous with the festival site.
The city plaza will also serve as the venue for announcing the winners of the MassKara street dancing and arena competition.
For security, Bacolod Gugma will avoid the use of detention cages for unruly individuals but assured that police visibility will be strengthened throughout the 19-day celebration.
Stall setup at the plaza has been allotted three days before the official opening of the festivities.
Interested entrepreneurs may now apply for slots at both the plaza and BCGC festival sites, the organizer confirmed.
“This is more than just food kiosks — it’s about empowering our local entrepreneurs and enriching Bacolod’s cultural and social life,” Mallo said./CJ, WDJ