• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 28th edition of Panaad sa Negros Festival kicks off today (April 15), with a total of 1,102 security forces, including force multipliers, tasked to secure the festival site at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
On April 13, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and PCol. Rainerio de Chavez, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), led the send-off ceremony at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. also in the city.
“This year, we have planned more activities for a larger celebration and anticipate a significant influx of people, we are looking at several thousands of Negrenses and tourists,” Lacson told security personnel.
The week-long festivities will run until April 21.
“In addition to our local government unit (LGU) pavilions as attractions, we have concerts and major contests that will draw a large crowd. As such, we want our festival-goers not only to be safe but to feel safe as well, so as to be able to truly enjoy what we have prepared for them,” Lacson further said.
The Philippine National Police will also enforce the gun ban in Negros Occidental from 12:01 a.m. of April 15 to 11:59 p.m. of April 21.
During this period, all permits to carry firearms outside of residence will be suspended.
PLt. Col. Joem Malong, NOCPPO deputy director for operations and commander of Panaad 2024 Site Task Group, said that with thorough security preparations, they see not just a successful, but even better staging of the festival this year.
“We have carefully prepared the security plan and already implemented its initial phases,” she added.
The security personnel are assigned to maintain peace and order, manage traffic congestion, control crowds, and provide security at each event.
The Panaad Festival’s main feature is the showcase of the themed pavilions of the 32 LGUs, including highly-urbanized Bacolod City, designed as replicas of their municipal or city halls or the products they are known for.
Among the major events are the Best of Festival Dances Competition after the grand opening on Monday afternoon, the Panaad Trade Fair and the Lin-ay Sang Negros beauty pageant. | GB/PNA
