Yuhum Foundation ‘no legal personality’ to transact with Capitol

The Negros Occidental provincial government is waiting for the letter of Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez for the use of the Paglaum Sports Complex and other Capitol properties for the coming Masskara Festival.

Diaz also said the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation has “no legal personality” to make such transactions with the province.

He also said there will be no MassKara festivities at Panaad Park and Stadium, unlike last year, because of lack of preparation.

"As to the conduct of the Masskara sa Panaad, the provincial government has not received any request from the foundation, and it's not on their official schedule," Diaz said.

Diaz made the statement after meeting with the officials of the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation and some city officials appointed by City Administrator Pacifico Maghari in his office on Tuesday, September 19.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will be the guests of honor during the highlights of the Masskara Festival for the second consecutive year.

"As a matter of procedure and protocol, it should be Mayor Albee writing Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. Upon receipt of the letter of the mayor, the governor will just approve whatever request. Then we can work with the foundation's working team and Capitol's working team,” Diaz said.

Diaz said the provincial government maintains the Paglaum Sports Complex and has made necessary repairs since last year to make it sustainable for the visit of the President.

"We are also willing to provide manpower and security personnel during the event to ensure it is incident-free and safe for all attendees, participants, performers, and VIP guests," he added.

It is free for use of the city government, he said, except that “we want the foundation to also recognize the provincial government as a major sponsor."

"We are paying for the job order employees and security personnel. If we quantify it, it will be a big amount," Diaz also said.

He added that the foundation, as organizers of the Masskara Festival, also requested the use of the North Capitol Road and the Capitol Lagoon and Park for certain events as part of the festivities.*