BACOLOD CITY — Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that dancing traffic enforcers here keep the spirit of MassKara Festival alive.
It’s been two years since Bacolod has not celebrated the grand festivity here due to the pandemic.
The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) launched a search for best dancing traffic enforcer here this year.
Ten participants advanced to the grand finals held at the Bacolod City Police Office on Oct. 19, and Jemar Valencia, 29, of Barangay 35 emerged as the grand winner.
“It feels nostalgic,” Leonardia said upon attending the competition since it featured the previous MassKara Festival music, and it was held during the supposed highlight week of the festival.
Also, the participants were wearing colorful masks as they danced in the middle of the road while controling the traffic flow.
“With this BTAO event, we were able to feel the spirit of MassKara. Hearing this dance music makes me feel homesick, it is like you long for it but you can’t have it,” the mayor said.
Leonardia said the event mirrors the MassKara Festival. “Even if we are in the midst of the pandemic, we still have that happy disposition. We have proven that Bacolodnons are resilient. We will survive this,” he added.
The mayor also lauded the rest of the traffic enforcers here for doing their job well. “To our traffic enforcers, you are an inspiration to all of us. You play a major role in our society,” Leonardia said.
“I am very proud of you,” Leonardia said, as he recognized their efforts to ensure the safety and order in the streets of the city.
Meanwhile, the participants received cash prizes, grocery packs, and tokens.