BACOLOD City — Luisa Medel National High School (LMNHS) and Corazon L. Montelibano Elementary School (CLMES) captured the high school and elementary championships, respectively, in the MassKara Festival 2026 Drum and Lyre Corps Competition held on October 10.
Both schools received P50,000 each for their winning performances in the competition, which featured 12 schools showcasing their musical skills, choreography, discipline and teamwork as part of the festival’s 10-day celebration.
In the elementary division, Patricia Homes Elementary School finished first runner-up and received P35,000, while Bata Elementary School I placed second runner-up with P25,000.
In the high school category, Handumanan National High School secured first runner-up honors and P35,000, followed by Domingo Lacson National High School, which received P25,000 for finishing second runner-up.
The competition featured street performances from Negros Occidental High School to Bacolod Public Plaza before the participants proceeded to the arena competition, where they demonstrated their musical precision, coordination and stage presence.
Nine elementary schools and three high schools participated in the event.
The elementary division was represented by Alfredo M. Montelibano Sr. Elementary School, Handumanan Elementary School I, Handumanan Elementary School II, Antonio Jayme Elementary School, Bata Elementary School I, Banago Elementary School, CLMES, Education and Training Center School II, and Patricia Homes Elementary School.
Joining the high school division were LMNHS, Domingo Lacson National High School, and Handumanan National High School.
The competition also recognized outstanding performances in music, choreography, street parade, band uniform and discipline. Minor awardees in both divisions received P5,000 each.
According to Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI), the performances were evaluated by a panel composed of Ricky P. Lapidante Jr., a registered social worker and festival artistic director; Rutha Baydal Rojo, a former GMA Network Western Visayas events and promotions specialist and musical director; and Carmelito L. Pabuaya Jr., a music educator, band adviser and musical director.
City councilors Jason Villarosa and Al Espino attended the event.
The Drum and Lyre Corps Competition is among the highlights of MassKara Festival 2026, which carries the theme “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma.”
BGFI said the competition celebrates the musical abilities and artistic expression of young Bacolodnons while giving students an opportunity to demonstrate discipline, teamwork and school pride through competitive performances./PN
