• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The fuel crisis did not dampen the spirits of Negrenses as the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival opened Monday, April 13 with estimated 24,150 visitors trooping to the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
The first day was capped by the concert of OPM band Ben&Ben, after the opening of the booths of 32 local government units earlier in the day.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the overwhelming “sea of people” proves the point that Negros Occidental needs the Panaad sa Negros Festival,
Day 1 sales was recorded at P3.385 million, surpassing last year’s Day 1 sales of P1.859 million. In 2024, opening day sales was at P2.208 million.
Diaz said holding the festival is proving to be doing something more than just entertainment as the Panaad continues to improve the Negrosanons’ economic, social and cultural conditions.
In his speech during the opening program, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson described the event as a testament to the shared history and unity of Negrenses.
“Last year, we said, ‘The Future Unfolds’. Today, we stand in that future – stronger, more united, and more inspired by what we have achieved together, even as we continue to face challenges in a world that is never without uncertainty,” Lacson said.
He added: “Let us embrace the opportunities that lie before us. Let us showcase the best of Negros Occidental, not only to our fellow Negrenses, but to the world. Together, let us enrich the historical landscape of Panaad sa Negros, ensuring that its legacy endures through time”.
The guest of honor, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, said “The Panaad Festival 2026 stands as a testament of who we are as Negrenses, and where we are going. It showcases the very best of Negros.”
“For our young people, this is also very important that despite the challenges, we give them space to express themselves and celebrate,” he added.
The Panaad sa Negros festival opening ceremony was also attended by Negros Occidental lawmakers, including Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez and Abang Lingkod partylist Rep. Manuel Frederick Ko, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso, city and municipal mayors, among others. | GB
