• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Negros Occidental Public Information Officer Charina Magallanes-Tan has been appointed as the Director of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival, scheduled from April 13 to 19, 2026 as the administration aims for a youth-centered festivity.
Magallanes-Tan, who also serves as the executive assistant to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, also led the festival last year as the director.
In an interview, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II shared that the administration is working to increase engagement from the youth sectors for this year’s celebration.
The province has partnered with the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc. (NYLI), a youth-led civil society organization dedicated to mentorship and youth representation, to help involve the younger generation.
“This year, we are planning events that will attract young people. This is their time to showcase their programs during our Panaad Festival,” Diaz said, citing that NYLI will suggest possible programs to make the festival more appealing to youth audiences.
The province has allocated P50 million for the celebration, distributed among various committees as Diaz emphasized the importance of careful planning and proper resource management to ensure the festival’s success.
Furthermore, the province aims to bring in top performers during the event. Twenty percent of the fund will be allocated to acquire local and national performers.
There will be some minor adjustments in the festival schedule, such as separating the dance competitions between municipalities and cities, as well as the pavilion contest.
The local government units may receive subsidies depending on their participation in different activities.
Tourism officials have requested an increase in the subsidy compared to last year, but Diaz stated that the final decision rests with the governor.*
