• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid the continuing unrest of Mt. Kanlaon, the Negros Occidental provincial government justified the staging of the Panaad sa Negros Festival this coming March 24 to 30.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said yesterday that even the affected residents celebrated the Yuletide season in the evacuation centers last December.
“These are the times that we can bring back the spirit of joy to the people,” Diaz said, noting that “life is full of hardships and challenges”.
The “festival of all festivals” is being held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.
This year, the provincial government has allocated P30 million for the festivity, including the financial support to the local government units.
“Even in darkness, we need a little spark of light. In sadness, we need a little joy to perk up everybody,” Diaz said.
The Panaad Park and Stadium has been identified by the Office of Civil Defense as among the evacuation sites for about 37,000 La Castellana residents in case of another volcanic eruption.
Diaz said that during the Panaad sa Negros Festival, “we want to celebrate the unity of the province and showcase to the entire country what the province can accomplish, if we work together.”
“We will try to give you the best show this 2025, hoping that all aspects go well, including the situation with Mt. Kanlaon. Hopefully, it will be one of the greatest versions of Panaad sa Negros Festival,” he added.
Each of the participating towns and cities will be provided a financial assistance of P400,000 while the Lin-ay sang Negros candidates will receive P50,000 each. | GB
