The MassKara sa Panaad kicked off with lively festival dances from the towns and cities of Negros Occidental and Bacolod City, in what was described as a groundbreaking show of unity, on Monday, October 10.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and the mayors of Negros Occidental, and Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and the officials of Bacolod City gathered for the start of the week-long festivities at the Panaad Park in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod.
Lacson, who rang a train bell to officially signal the start of the festivities, said “today’s MassKara sa Panaad is a groundbreaking event. As far as I can remember, this is the first time Negros Occidental was invited to join the MassKara Festival”.
The MassKara sa Panaad creates an opportunity for tourists to experience a glimpse of Negros Occidental’s culture, local products, festivals, travel destinations, and famed cuisine, he said.
“The MassKara Festival, is more than just a festivity, it is a story of our hope, resilience, and ingenuity. As the pandemic forced upon us the use of masks, this year, we again, as a people, are going to don our Masskaras with the same grit we courageously displayed in the past when we had our first MassKara Festival,” Lacson said.
After two years of uncertainty Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are now united in moving forward towards recovery, Lacson said.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez cut the ribbon at the opening of the Bacolod pavilion at the MassKara sa Panaad.*Richard Malihan photo
Lacson and Benitez thanked the mayors of the 31 towns and cities for their support for the MassKara sa Panaad.
“This is a clear indication that Bacolod City and the province of Negros Occidental are now collaborating with each other for the betterment of all,” Benitez said.
“It is a clear example of what we can be and what we can do in the future if we do it together,” he added.
Benitez said Bacolod Councilor Jason Villarosa in drafting an ordinance inviting Negros Occidental to join the MassKara Festival every year thereafter.
“Panaad is at the heart of Bacolod City, it is but proper that Panaad is part of our (MassKara) celebration,” Benitez said.
Victorias Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez, president of the Negros Association of Chief Executives, said the possibilities are endless with unity.
He said the first-ever MassKara sa Panaad is not only about culture and tourism, it is also about economic cooperation between Negros Occidental and Bacolod City.
The refurbished pavilions of the towns and cities of Negros Occidental, and Bacolod City that opened at the Panaad Park on Monday are showcasing the products and food famous in their localities.
An Agri Abanse fair also opened.
The six congressional districts of Negros Occidental will also provide the daily entertainment at the Panaad Park.*