BACOLOD City—The City Anti-Mendicancy Task Force has launched a surveillance and mapping operation to monitor minors and Badjaos roaming the city, particularly as Bacolod prepares for the 45th MassKara Festival from October 11 to 27.
The presence of Badjaos increases during the annual festival, with many seen in areas such as the city’s public plaza.
Alma Gustilo, head of the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), confirmed that surveillance is ongoing in preparation for the festival.
“With the festival fast approaching, we are seeing more Badjaos arriving,” Gustilo said.
The taskforce is planning to deploy personnel at all festival sites to monitor the Badjaos and minors without adult companions.
So far, five Badjaos have been identified. Gustilo mentioned that these individuals had previously been sent back to their home in Zamboanga but have returned to Bacolod. Should more Badjaos be noticed in the coming days, the city will follow the same procedure, coordinating with their hometowns for their return.
In addition to addressing mendicancy, the city is also preparing for the highly anticipated Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024 pageant.
The Bacolod Yuhum Foundation Inc. (BYFI) will present the official 15 candidates during a sashing ceremony at SM City Bacolod on September 29. The media will play an integral role in selecting the candidate who best embodies grace, charm, and media savviness through a question-and-answer session. The “Darling of the Press” title will be awarded based on the media’s vote.
The coronation night for Miss Bacolod MassKara 2024 is scheduled for October 19. This year’s pageant is one of the highlights of the festival and aims to celebrate the beauty, intellect, and dedication of Bacolod’s young women to social causes and community leadership.
During the screening process, 80 women competed, but only 15 were selected as official candidates./PN
