Living up to its name and mission, the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) continues to embody Gugma — love in action — through its ongoing donation drive for Bacolodnons affected by recent disasters.
In the wake of the Barangay 27 fire and the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino which placed Bacolod under a state of calamity and affected over 25,000 residents, the foundation has mobilized resources and volunteers to bring immediate relief to the most vulnerable communities.
The foundation, in partnership with the MassKara Festival Committee, utilized proceeds from MassKaralympics 2025 — the annual sports and wellness arm of the festival — to fund its first wave of assistance.
On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the BGFI team turned over essential construction materials to Barangay 27 residents, who lost their homes in the fire. The donation included 20 cubic meters of mixing sand, 60 bags of cement, and 1,500 pieces of hollow blocks.
BGFI president and MassKara Festival director Rodney Mitz Ascalon emphasized that the project is an expression of the organization’s commitment to service.
“Gugma is more than a word — it’s a movement of love in action. Service is at the heart of everything we do. As long as there are Bacolodnons in need, Gugma will continue to respond,” Ascalon said in a press release Nov. 8. “This is the spirit of MassKara — hope, compassion, and solidarity in the face of hardship.”
MassKaralympics head Jose David Diaz also expressed pride in how the sports initiative has evolved beyond competition into a vehicle for community impact.
“The energy and camaraderie we see in MassKaralympics mirror the resilience of Bacolod. Every game, every cheer, and every smile now carry a deeper purpose — to give back,” Diaz said. “This campaign proves that MassKara is not just a celebration, but a platform for collective action and care.”
The Bacolod Gugma Foundation has likewise opened its doors for ongoing relief operations for Typhoon Tino victims. Donations in kind and cash are still being accepted, with distribution efforts already underway, in coordination with the MassKara Festival Office and partner barangays.
“There is still much work to be done,” Ascalon added. “We call on our fellow Bacolodnons, organizations, and friends of MassKara to continue supporting this cause. Together, we can rebuild and rise stronger.”
Interested donors and volunteers are encouraged to coordinate directly through the official MassKara Festival and Bacolod Gugma Foundation Facebook pages for updates and details on how to help. ||
