• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More than 1,000 security personnel and force multipliers have been deployed to secure the week-long 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival, which kicks off today.
The festival site is located at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and PCol. Rainerio de Chavez, police provincial director of Negros Occidental, led the send-off of security forces in a ceremony held at the Panaad grounds on Saturday.
The security contingent is composed of personnel of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire and Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and various search and rescue groups in close coordination with the Bacolod City Police Office.
The Security Committee and Site Task Group led by Lacson assured the public that all preparations are in place for a safe and successful celebration.
Festival director Charina Magallanes-Tan called on Negrenses to join the festival, which will run until March 30.
“We have a lot in store for them,” she added.
On Monday, the festival will start with a thanksgiving mass at 8 a.m. to be followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the food security and technology showcase (organic village), food alley, livestock and dairy fair exhibit, art fair, provincial government trade fair, and the blessing of the local government unit (LGU) pavilions.
The grand opening ceremony will be at 4 p.m., followed by the Best of Festival Dances competition at 5 p.m., which will include a half-time entertainment.
The festival is also being dubbed as a star- studded event, with the presence of entertainers from Manila in various shows at the Panaad Park and Stadium. | GB
