![“The Pharmally case... there are 46 respondents [in our complaint], kaya medyo matagal. And many of them have become invisible. Para bang they're trying to evade the jurisdiction of this body,” says Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/plunder_copy_resized_resized-218x150.jpg "Ombudsman presses P11-B Pharmally plunder case But 23 respondents missing— Remulla")
BACOLOD City — Barangay Taculing captured the championship in the barangay category of the MassKara Festival 2026’s Street Dance and Arena Competition, highlighting the festival’s grand finale on Sunday, October 18.
Despite the unfavorable weather, the competing contingents showcased elaborate costumes, energetic choreography and festival-inspired performances at the Reclamation Area near SM City Bacolod, where the arena competition was held.
The street dance parade started along Hernaez Street and proceeded toward the competition venue, drawing spectators who watched the participating barangays display their cultural identities and community traditions.
Taculing took home the P1-million grand prize, while barangays Mandalagan and Handumanan placed first and second runners-up, receiving P500,000 and P300,000, respectively.
The other competing barangays were 6, 10, 13, Bata and Alangilan.
Barangay Alangilan was named Merry-Making Champion, while Taculing and Handumanan received sponsors’ choice awards.
Mandalagan Elementary School wins school title
In the elementary category, Mandalagan Elementary School emerged as champion on Saturday, October 17, earning P750,000 among seven competing schools.
Sum-ag Elementary School placed first runner-up with P300,000, while Montevista Elementary School finished second runner-up with P200,000.
Mandalagan Elementary School also won Best in Mask and Costume, Best in Theme and Concept, Best in Introduction, and Best in Music, earning P30,000 for each award. It was also named Most Disciplined Contingent, receiving another P30,000.
The school likewise topped the elementary Merry-Making competition, earning P15,000 and four mobile phones. Sum-ag Elementary School placed second with P10,000, while Vista Alegre-Granada Relocation Elementary School finished third with P5,000.
BCNHS takes high school crown
Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS) won the high school championship, defeating ABKASA National High School, Jovito Sayson National High School and Progreso Village National High School.
BCNHS received P750,000 and also secured Best in Theme and Concept, Best in Introduction, and Most Disciplined Contingent, earning P30,000 for each award.
The school also placed first in the high school Merry-Making competition, receiving P15,000 and four mobile phones.
ABKASA National High School won Best in Mask and Costume and placed second in the Merry-Making category, while Progreso Village National High School secured Best in Music and finished third in the Merry-Making competition.
The elementary and high school awarding ceremonies were held at Bacolod Public Plaza.
Tangub wins Electric MassKara
Earlier, Barangay Tangub claimed the championship in the Electric MassKara 2026 competition on October 16, earning P350,000 from Megaworld’s The Upper East and 30 canister sets.
Six barangays participated in the Electric MassKara and Mega Float Parade, which ran from The Upper East to the Bacolod Government Center.
Barangay 17 placed first runner-up with P200,000, while Barangay 12 finished second runner-up with P150,000.
Barangay 17 also won Best in Mask and Costume, Best Electric King and Queen, and Best in Choreography, receiving P10,000 for each award. Tangub secured Best Float and Best in Music, also earning P10,000 for each.
Other contingents were barangays 19, 21 and 14, which highlighted their Flower Festival, Plazuela de Bacolod and Pamukadkad Festival, respectively. Barangay 12 showcased Chicken Inasal and San Juan, while Barangay 17 featured its Dinaguso Festival presentation.
MassKara Festival director Rodney Ascalon said the Electric MassKara competition gives barangays an opportunity to showcase their cultural identities and strengthen community pride.
“Through MassKara For All, we want every barangay to have the opportunity to share its story, showcase its culture, and take pride in what makes its community unique,” Ascalon said.
The 2026 festival carries the theme “Share the Smile. Celebrate Gugma” under the “MassKara For All” campaign, highlighting cultural expression, community participation and Bacolod’s shared festive spirit./PN
