BACOLOD CITY: The Bacolod City government has allocated a total of P5.35 million in financial assistance to the barangays (villages) joining the street dance and float competitions of the Masskara Festival on October 22 and 23.
As of Friday, 30 villages have confirmed to compete, including 17 in the street and arena dance competition and 13 in the Electric Masskara float and dance-off contest.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) approved the proposed memorandums of agreement granting financial aid for villages participating in the Masskara Festival street dance and Electric Masskara dance competitions.
Participating villages in the street dance competition will get P200,000 each, totaling P3.4 million, while those joining the Electric Masskara will receive P150,000 each or a total of P1.95 million.
This year, the grand champion of the street and arena dance competition will get a cash prize of P1 million while the top winner of the Electric Masskara contest will get P500,000.
Earlier, lawyer Pinky Mirano-Ocampo, festival director, said that coming up with quality performances and costumes costs a lot of money, which is why the participating barangay would be granted more financial assistance this year.
She also said that Bacolod wants to attract visitors to the festival by showcasing excellence in these competitions.
“After two years of missing out on one of the grandest festivals in the country, Bacolod is ready to smile again as we recover from the pandemic and under a new and dynamic leadership,” Mirano-Ocampo said.