• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The 2025 Panaad sa Negros Festival will be “apolitical”.
This was announced on Tuesday (March 11) by Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson as the annual festival is slated on March 24 to 30, with the campaign period for local candidates commencing on March 28.
Former governor Rafael Coscolluela, a consultant of the provincial government, earlier suggested to Lacson not to allow campaigning at the festival site, as relayed by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II to reporters.
Lacson said that candidates can visit the Panaad sa Negros Festival site, shake hands and give out T-shirts, but not posters.
“Could you imagine all the trees there having campaign materials. It is ugly,” he added.
The festival opening is usually being attended by all the mayors, legislators and other local officials of Negros Occidental.
Lacson said the men and women behind the festival are doing their best to come up with enjoyable festivities.
This year’s festival has the theme “The Future Unfolds” .
“Panaad sa Negros has been more than just a festival; it has been a symbol of our heritage, a showcase of our resilience, and a testament to our shared aspirations,” Lacson said.
Every town and city of Negros Occidental come together during the festival, bringing the best of their traditions, products and stories.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to showcase the best of Negros Occidental and the Negrense and enrich the Panaad historical landscape as the festival of all festivals of the province,” Lacson said.
The provincial government has allocated P30 million for the annual festivities, including support for local government units. | GB
