Bacolod City Council Urges Compliance as Carnival Setup Precedes Permit Approval

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod has formally urged Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. to adhere to the mandated process of securing a special permit prior to initiating preparations for their festival activities. This advisory comes after carnival rides and attractions began to be installed beside the Poblacion Theme Park, located behind the Bacolod City Government Center, ahead of official permit approval.

During the city council's recent regular session, Councilors Al Victor Espino and Celia Flor expressed disappointment over the premature setup. Both councilors emphasized that submitting the permit request earlier would have facilitated timely approval and prevented procedural breaches.

Councilor Espino remarked, "Why request a permit if you have already commenced operations? The core issue here is respect for the council's authority and processes."

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation, through its Corporate Secretary, Atty. Hannah Lea Tañoso, had formally requested a special permit to operate the carnival and allow equipment ingress from September 21 to 30. The designated locations include Fr. Ferrero Street, Barangay 12, adjacent to Wilcon Depot behind the government center, and near the Legislative Building.

Espino further highlighted the significance of council ordinances in sustaining cultural events like the MassKara Festival, declaring, "The MassKara Festival is a product of a city ordinance. As the ordinance-makers, the Sangguniang Panlungsod deserves respect in these procedures."

While the council approved the special permit request, they deferred issuing the permit specific to the carnival and festival fair on Fr. Ferrero Street. This decision was influenced by Councilor Flor's concerns regarding public safety, particularly the impact on vendors in the nearby Manokan Country. Flor noted, "Ferrero is a narrow street, and positioning a carnival there poses risks to the safety of both residents and children. The organizers should consider an alternative venue."