Duterte: MassKara Festival an inspiring story of Filipino resilience

BARANGAY Tangub is this year’s champion in the 39th MassKara Festival street and arena dance competition-barangay category. (Carla Cañet)
BARANGAY Tangub is this year’s champion in the 39th MassKara Festival street and arena dance competition-barangay category. (Carla Cañet)

“THIS annual event is an inspiring story of the Filipino resilience.”

President Rodrigo Duterte stressed this in a speech during the 39th MassKara Festival at the public plaza Saturday night, October 27.

This is the third consecutive year the President joined the city’s annual festivity.

Prior to his speech, Duterte watched the performance of Mandalagan National High School dancers during the street and arena competition-schools category, who eventually bagged the championship trophy in the high school category.

“Well ganito ‘yan. Pupunta ako dito kasi maganda talaga panuorin ang MassKara. Sadya,” Duterte said.

“Ang sa festival namon sa Davao, Kadayawan, gatabla na ngari sa MassKara. Gamay, dyutay lang siguro inyo ka ano. Dyutay lang inyo advantage. Gamay lang. Dahil ‘yan sa maraming magagandang babae dito sa Bacolod. Iyon lang ang lamang niyo. Kasi ‘yung mga taga-Davao maitim eh. Mainit doon,” Duterte said.

The President said it’s his pleasure to join once again this year’s MassKara Festival.

“I extend my sincerest congratulations to the local government of Bacolod for organizing another successful MassKara celebration. This event is truly a showcase of unique cultural heritage and rich history of your hometown—the City of Smiles,” he said.

He said that more than a time for revelry and colorful costumes, this annual event is an inspiring story of the Filipino resilience.

“It is proof that despite the many struggles and hardships we face, we can overcome any adversity, through cooperation and perseverance. As we celebrate the creativity and beauty of Bacolod, I laud the craftsmanship and talent that have been showcased throughout the entire festivities. The colorful and dynamic spirit of the Bacolodnons is indeed a true reflection of our identity as a people,” Duterte added.

The President pointed out that the challenge of nation-building is an arduous task that requires dedication, commitment, and hard work.

“As you commemorate your 80th City Charter anniversary. I hope that this annual celebration will serve as a reminder to my fellow public servants and our beloved citizens to never hesitate in lending a helping hand and a warm smile to those in need, especially during times of calamities and distress,” Duterte said.

The President also called on the Bacoleños to remain supportive of the administration’s programs and policies that aim to institute genuine reform in governance.

“I am optimistic that with the important contributions of Bacolod City [to] our tourism and economic development, we will be able to achieve our hopes and aspirations for our beloved nation,” Duterte said.

For his part, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said this is the festival by the people of Bacolod and the festival for the people of Bacolod.

“Since this was born 39 years ago, our people embraced and nurtured these to what it has become today, and there is no doubt about it that this is now one of the major tourist attractions of the Philippines and more importantly than that, this has become an icon for Bacolod,” he said.

Leonardia pointed out that “this is our reunion as one big happy family and this is the event that brings us together and unites us as a people.”

The mayor noted that because of its world-class appeal, this has represented the country in many festivals abroad where the MassKara Festival was recognized by international television network CNN and National Geographic as one of the 12 must-do things in the world in October, and one of the 12 best things in the Philippines.

On October 7, MassKara Festival dancers of Bacolod City, representing the Philippines, also bagged the bronze medal at the World Mask Dance Competition 2018 in South Korea.

“But, what puts the MassKara Festival a cast above the rest today, is the fact that this is the only festival in the country today, outside maybe of Davao, where the President grace us with his presence for the third consecutive year,” Leonardia said.

He added: “When he [President] came in 2016 right after his elections, we called that unprecedented. When he came back in 2017, we called that historic now, he’s back for the third time, I do not know what to call that anymore.”

The mayor pointed out that this is awesome, unbelievable which, if it’s a contest, MassKara Festival is already a grand slam or a hall of fame all because of the presence of our beloved President.

“Together with our visitors, tourists and the people of Bacolod, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you very, very much Mr. President. Welcome to Bacolod City, the City of Smiles and the home of MassKara Festival,” Leonardia said.

Other officials who joined the President on stage were Presidential Adviser for the Visayas Michael Dino, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) President Jesus Clint Aranas; senatorial candidates Harry Roque, Christopher “Bong” Go, Francis Tolentino, Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla; Representatives Zajid Mangudadatu, Alfredo Benitez, and Greg Gasataya; and Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.

Also present were Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and the members of the City Council.

The President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, arrived at the public plaza around 3:30 p.m. and watched one performance of MassKara street and arena competition, then left the area.

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