• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
As the campaign period for senatorial and partylist candidates goes on full swing, the provincial government of Negros Occidental wants the celebration of Panaad sa Negros Festival to be “apolitical”.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Wednesday (March 5) that while they would welcome national figures and other guests at the festival sites, the performers do not want to be used in promoting candidates.
Diaz said that former governor Rafael Coscolluela, who is a provincial government consultant, suggested to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson not to allow campaigning at the festival site.
“Otherwise, it will be chaotic and many issues might arise, so we would like to keep the Panaad Festival apolitical, no campaigning,” he added.
The 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival, themed “The Future Unfolds”, is slated on March 24 to 30.
Dubbed as the province’s “Festival of All Festivals”, it features booths from all local government units at Panaad Park and Stadium, showcasing their top products and cultural heritage.
Diaz said the proposal to make the Panaad sa Negros Festival apolitical, including the banning of campaign materials, will be brought to the executive committee for discussion and deliberation.
“If the policy is approved, as suggested by our consultant, then we will implement it through a memorandum to be signed by the governor,” he said.
The campaign period for the local candidates will kick off on March 28. | GB
