• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Estimated sales for the week-long 30th Panaad sa Negros reached almost P30 million, breaking all previous records, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said on Monday, April 20.
“In the midst of a fuel crisis, this is a miracle that only Negrenses can pull off,” Diaz said.
The highest single-day sales was reported on Day 7, April 19, with sales reaching P5.699 million.
Day 1 sales was at P3.385 million; Day 2, P2.077 million; Day 3, P4.36 million; Day 4, P3.707 million; Day 5, P4.545 million; and Day 6 at P5,647 million.
Day 7, with a concert of Parokya ni Edgar band, capped the week-long celebration on April 19, with 45,000 visitors, Diaz said.
This year’s festival was also described as historic as the search for Lin-ay sang Negros was participated by 32 local government units, among other activities and events.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded the peaceful and successful celebration as he highlighted the collective effort of local leaders, participants, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
The Task Group Panaad Festival 2026 which secured the various festival sites was deactivated also on Monday.
PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, director of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region, lauded the vigilance and professionalism of police personnel and other security forces in ensuring a peaceful celebration. | GB
