• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that they have enough security forces to secure visitors at the Panaad sa Negros Festival site in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, as the festivities opened Monday with thousands of people in attendance.
More than 1,100 members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire and Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and other force multipliers have been deployed at the festival site.
“Security wise, we are prepared,” Lacson said, as he also expressed hope that there will be no untoward incident to happen in the weeklong festivities.
“This Panaad Week, let us come together and celebrate as one united province because after fulfilling the promise last year, we are now Living the Promise of Panaad,” the governor said.
“Let us embrace this opportunity to showcase the best of Negros Occidental and the Negrenses, and enrich the Panaad historical landscape as the festival of all festivals of the province and create lasting memories for both present and future generations,” he added.
Senator Imee Marcos, Rep. Gerardo Valmayor (1st district, Negros Occidental), Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer (4th district, Negros) and her husband, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez and almost all mayors in the province, joined the opening rites, that was capped by the presentation of festival dances of various local government units, and 29 candidates for the 2024 Lin ay sang Negros.
“With your presence, it is very clear how the Panaad Festival holds a very special place in the hearts of every Negrense,” Lacson said.
Lacson also thanked Vice Gov. Ferrer, members of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, local chief executives and Negros Occidental solons and other stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of Panaad sa Negros 2024.
“It is through our united efforts, shared vision, and sincere devotion to service that we will continue to realize the promise of a better Negros Occidental for our fellow Negrenses,” he said.
Senator Marcos also gave an additional P200,000 in cash prizes for the champions in the festival dance champions, in city and municipal categories. | GB
