BACOLOD City – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will not attend the peak of the MassKara Festival, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez confirmed during a press conference at the Bacolod City Government Center on October 14.
But while the presidential couple will miss this year’s festivities due to prior commitments, their son, Cong. Sandro Marcos from the 1st District of Ilocos Norte, is scheduled to visit, possibly accompanied by his siblings.
“The First Couple has many engagements, leading to a schedule conflict,” Mayor Benitez explained.
Despite their absence, MassKara continues to attract political figures, with numerous senatorial candidates expressing interest in attending the festival, which runs from October 12 to 27.
In related developments, the Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI), in collaboration with a private firm and the Orange Project, has unveiled a significant community artwork along Mabini Street in Barangay 22.
The initiative, led by internationally renowned artist Charlie Co, transformed an old, damaged post into a mural that captures the dreams and aspirations of the community.
“We aim to create a mural that Bacolodnons will feel proud of and cherish for years to come,” said Co.
Joan Nagrampa, project and executions director at Orange Project, noted that the artwork highlights the city’s rich history and culture, with a particular focus on the resilience of sugar workers and the spirited life of the local community./PN
