Marcos to lead closing activities at Bacolod’s Masskara Festival

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be attending the closing activities of this year’s Masskara Festival in Bacolod City on Sunday, October 23, the Palace said Saturday.

In a statement, the Office of the Press Secretary said Marcos’ attendance at the festival “is a testament to his commitment to promoting local tourism to revive the country’s tourism industry amid the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In a message on Friday, the President called on Filipinos to participate in the annual festivity and at the same time explore Bacolod, which is widely known as the “City of Smiles.”

"This world-renowned festival was conceived to counter the despondency brought about by the challenges of the time. Today, as we find ourselves facing a similar dilemma, let this year’s festivity resonate ever so deeply and find even greater meaning in its joyful observance," said Marcos.

"May the vivid colors and smiles so common and abundant during the festivities serve as declarations of resilience, even as we tackle our deepest concerns and overcome our greatest hurdles, especially now that we are steadily gaining grounds on the difficult task of nation-building,” he said.

The President has expressed strong support for the tourism sector believing that it was among the country’s “high potential drivers for economic transformation,” the Palace said.

The Palace said Marcos was optimistic that through the efforts and initiatives of the Department of Tourism, the Philippines will be able to restore its tourism figures to pre-pandemic levels creating more job opportunities and bringing economic progress.

The President was expected to be joined by Vice President Sara Duterte and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos at the festival.

With its theme, “Balik Yuhum!” which means smile again, the Masskara Festival is back for its 43rd-year celebration after two years of being suspended due to the pandemic.

MassKara Festival began in 1980 following a series of sugar crises suffered by Bacolodnons and Negrenses.

Specifically, the crisis was caused by the oversupply of sugar in the international market which caused world sugar prices to drop.

The smiling colorful masks used in the festival are a symbol of their resiliency and unity despite challenges and problems, the Palace said.

Before the festival, Marcos is scheduled to attend the inauguration of The Upper East and the unveiling of the township marker in Bacolod City. — DVM, GMA News