An advocate for persons with disability (PWD) was named Darling of the Press during the press presentation of the Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024 candidates at the SM City Bacolod on Sunday, Sept. 29.
Cindy Valencia, 20, bested 14 other candidates during the press presentation.
She is a junior Business Economics and Marketing Management student from the University of Saint La Salle with advocacy focused on PWD inclusivity.
During the press presentation, she was asked “If Mayor Albee asks you to design a program for Bacolod City, what initiative would you propose and how will it benefit the community?”
Valencia said she would bring her advocacy and help raise awareness of national and local laws on PWD rights and would invite stakeholders to empower and share the knowledge with everyone.
“With inclusivity, with these inherent projects that I would propose, it will unlock the potential of a leading and developed Bacolod where it is inclusive to all and no one is left behind”, Valencia said.
Other candidates include Ella Gozon, Queenie Kuan, Sophia Kaye Zaragoza, Angelica Gwen Tenero, Princess Ella Olmilla, Jhudiel Micha Maris Lianda, Bea Tricia De La Peña, Mary Heloise Ginson, Gesille Mae Sullivan, Gwyn Maricon Lopez, Jasmine Mahilum, Ed Marie Aguilar, Cailah Jhane Delarma, and Akeisha Nicole Nuarin.
The pageant’s talent and festival costume competitions will be on Oct. 5 and 12, respectively, at the Ayala Malls Capitol Central, while their corporate tilt will be held at SM City Bacolod on Oct. 13.
The coronation night will be on Oct. 19 at the USLS Coliseum.*