BACOLOD CITY – The city government has allocated P5 million for the Bacolaodiat Festival next month.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, in a press briefing on Monday, January 8, said that this year’s subsidy increased by P2 million from 2023 because the city has been slowly adjusting and coping from the effects of the pandemic.
This year, the festival which celebrates the Year of the Wood Dragon will make a grand return on the streets of Lacson and North Capitol Road from February 9 to 11.
BOBBY Cordova, vice president of Bacolaodiat Festival Inc.; chairman John Stephen Sy, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo ‘Albee’ Benitez, Michelle Chua, treasurer of the Bacolaodiat Festival Inc., and Councilor Jason Villarosa pose following a press briefing on Bacolaodiat Festival at the Mayor’s Office at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Monday, January 8. (Glazyl Masculino)
"We aspire for this year's Bacolaodiat to surpass all previous editions fueled by the unwavering support of our partners, especially the local government unit,” said Bacolaodiat Festival Inc. Chairman John Stephen Sy.
“Their enduring commitment has played a vital role in shaping Bacolaodiat into the grand cultural event it is today," he added.
Michelle Chua, treasurer of the organization, said that this year’s Bacolaodiat will be bigger than 2023 since Dragon is a famous, powerful, and very important character in the Chinese community. It brings so much abundance, she added.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the conferment of the honorary mayor title this year to business tycoon Lucio L. Co who will be named an adopted son of Bacolod following the endorsement of the City Council.
Co is the chairman of Cosco Capital Inc., Puregold, and S&R Membership Shopping.
Six contingents will participate in the annual Lantern and Street Dance competition and the Lunar Music Festival.
The champion will receive P100,000, P80,000 for the first runner-up, P60,000 for the second runner-up, and three consolation prizes worth P15,000 each.
Other awards and prizes are Best in Costume, P20,000; Best in Lantern, P20,000, and Netizen’s Choice Award, P10,000.
A variety of dishes will be offered at the famous Imperial Village and Chopsticks Alley on the North Capitol Road for revelers.
Chua said that a partial road closure will be implemented, as three stages will be put up on Lacson St. for entertainment.
The main festival site is Lacson St. but they are negotiating with Megaworld Upper East to have it as another venue.
In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is believed to be the luckiest, and the Year of the Dragon is predicted to bring luck, wealth, and power. The dragon year promises to be a year full of possibilities, creativity, and opportunities.