By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The sales generated during the Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival (BCIF) reached P3.285 million, an increase of nearly 39 percent from last year’s sales.

Councilor Celia Matea Flor, city council committee on markets chairperson, said chicken inasal vendors and other entrepreneurs earned P3,285,047 in the three-day festival from May 29 to 31.

“The festival celebration was highly successful, and we are grateful for the favorable weather. Our concessionaires achieved strong sales across our three venues,” she said.

Flor added that last year, chicken inasal vendors and other entrepreneurs earned P2,371,041.68.

She noted that this year’s BCIF proved once again that Bacolod’s taste, talent and tourism continue to grow stronger.

This year’s festival, with the theme “Inasal City,” highlighted the city’s identity as the home of the iconic grilled chicken dish.

The annual event celebrates the city’s rich culinary heritage.

The first Bacolod Chicken Inasal Festival was held in 2018, with the participation of various chicken vendors in the city.

Flor said one of the most anticipated highlights was the BCIF arena dance competition, where seven barangays competed by interpreting the rich traditions and aesthetics of various Southeast Asian nations.

She said the city will aim for a bigger and better chicken inasal festival next year, as they plan to invite guests from outside Bacolod City./MAP, WDJ