This highly urbanized city’s 47th MassKara Festival culminated on a high note, with the Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) declaring a peaceful and safe 18-day celebration up to Sunday night.

The Task Group MassKara, headed by PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo Reales, reported an estimated crowd of 630,000 across key venues and activity areas on the festival’s final day.

“We gather to celebrate the successful conclusion of the 47th MassKara Festival and to recognize the unity dedication and collective service that made the celebration safe and successful,” Reales said in his message during the culmination program held at the Bacolod City Police Office covered court on Monday.

He noted the spirit of unity and service beyond the celebration, stressing the shared responsibility of protecting communities and maintaining peace and order.

Aside from personnel of the Philippine National Police, forces from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology were also deployed.

Others were from the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, rescue groups and force multipliers.

In a statement, the PRO-NIR said despite the large turnout of festivalgoers, police personnel maintained visibility and implemented crowd management measures in coordination with partner agencies, contributing to the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the celebration.

Meanwhile, the street dance and arena competition barangay category, which was held at SM City grounds on Rizal Street for the first time, was among the events that drew a sizable crowd on Sunday.

Barangay Taculing was declared champion, receiving a grand prize of PHP1 million.

Barangay Mandalagan was named first runner-up while Barangay Handumanan placed second runner-up. (PNA)