Cadiz City shone in this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival as its sustainable rooftop initiative topped the Best Local Government Unit Booth city category, besting 12 other component cities across the province.
The Cadiz Pavilion was truly exceptional, with its sustainable architectural design, which seamlessly embodied the city’s commitment to environmental consciousness.
Its impressive rooftop farming system, where lush rice paddies and green leafy vegetables thrive on the roof, was a strong testament to the city’s vision of integrating food security with eco-friendly practices.
This rare yet innovative design transformed the city’s pavilion into a living model of sustainable agriculture and urban greening, demonstrating how cities can utilize available spaces to cultivate food and promote environmental sustainability.
The rooftop rice paddies and vegetable garden symbolized Cadiz’s rich agricultural heritage that highlighted its proactive approach to addressing climate change and ensuring food security.
This distinctive feature made the Cadiz Pavilion one-of-a-kind—not just an exhibit space, but a thriving symbol of sustainable greatness that continues to grow and inspire.
Cadiz also emerged victorious with its remarkable compliance with Republic Act 9003, or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
The Cadiz Pavilion showcased its unique and sustainable waste management practices through its innovative “Waste to Worth, Shoot for Circular Economy!” initiative.
This program encouraged visitors to deposit plastic bottles in exchange for points that could be used to avail of Cadiz’s local products displayed by micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The SWM Corner at the Cadiz booth allowed participants to shoot a bottle, earn points, and get a reward.
Aside from winning the Best Pavilion award, Paul Jesaz Aguirre of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office was also recognized as the Best Active SWM Focal Person and Best Focal Person in Implementing SWM Innovations and Waste Diversion Activities, the city said in a press release April 2.
Cadiz was also champion in Pop Dance Competition, 1st Place – Panaad Basketball Tournament (17-Under), 3rd Runner-Up – Latin Dance Competition (Juvenile Category), 4th Runner-Up – Best of Festival Dances Competition, and Top 10 Finalist in the Lin-ay sang Negros 2025.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said these Panaad winnings by their city affirmed that Cadiznons are competitive, persevering, and competent—ready to excel and lead across the province as Cadiz continues to shine as a symbol of excellence and sustainability. ||
