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Sunday, August 24, 2003
City sets contingency plan for MassKara Festival
By Christine Mae A. Pelayo
THE MassKara Foundation Inc. and the Bacolod City Government set contingency plans for the forthcoming MassKara Festival 2003 slated in October.
Bacolod City Mayor Luzviminda Valdez disclosed several "senatoriables" and "presidentiables" will visit the city during the festivities even without invitation. This is due to the elections next year.
The mayor said the local police will conduct a 24-hour foot patrol daily for the security and safety of the visitors.
She added that Bacolod City Police Director George Bajelot, with all the 10 police station commanders are tasked in maintaining the safety of the visitors and merry-makers.
On the other hand, Councilor Archie Baribar, said the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between television network ABS-CBN and MassKara Foundation is giving undue advantage to the latter since the MOA is private in nature.
“The MOA is giving undue advantage to the foundation compared to other sectors that can also handle the festival,” said Baribar.
“It is also giving advantage to ABS-CBN over other media outlets,” he added.
This came after lawyer Brick Reyes, counsel of the MFI refused to furnish the media copies of the MOA.
He said they need clearance from ABS-CBN first before they can secure the copies.
Baribar explained they cannot compel the MFI and ABS-CBN to furnish those who wanted to acquire a copy of the MOA, however, if it involves public interest, they are obliged to show the MOA to whoever asked for it.
Moreover, Baribar disclosed the council’s apprehension that the MFI cannot handle the affair alone due to the MOA.
“With the MOA, it seems that they are looking for partners. They are like a broker to those who wanted to participate in the festival,” said Baribar.
The MFI, on the other hand, stressed that the media coverage for the festival is not exclusive to ABS-CBN.
But MFI clarified that ABS-CBN is the official media and marketing arm of the 2003 MassKara Festival.
MFI added that media will not be barred from covering the affair.
There will also be specified zones for advertisers.
Valdez, on the other hand, explained that she signed the MOA with the purpose that the television company would usher comprehensive marketing not just locally but nationally and internationally.
“We are expecting that the festival will be a big success,” said the mayor.
(August 23, 2003 issue)
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