• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sales at the Panaad sa Negros for the first three days of the festival was pegged at P5,825,108 according to data provided by the organizers.
The biggest sales were recorded on the first day, March 24, at P1,859,306.50, which came from the different pavilions of various local government units.
Second day sales were pegged at P1,603,710, with the LGU pavilions again logging bulk of the revenue at P930,191.
The sales on the 3rd day was recorded at P1,295,228, with the LGU pavilions recording sales of up to P865,446.
The Panaad sa Negros Festival, dubbed as the Festival of Festivals in Negros Occidental, will run until March 30.
Charina Magallanes Tan, festival director, said the provincial government is prioritizing sustainability to ensure that the celebration leaves a positive impact on the environment.
“This year, expect to see initiatives that promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural resources,” Tan added.
The San Carlos City booth showcases the initiatives that “reflect the city’s continuous efforts in advancing sustainable waste management and pollution control strategies.”
The northern Negros city is considered a model LGU in ecological solid waste management with the San Carlos Eco-Center, which plays a key role in processing waste, sorting recyclables, and minimizing residuals.
The Himamaylan City Ecological Solid Waste Management Hub stands out for featuring upcycled products vital for environmental protection.
It shows how the southern Negros city “reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, reduces pollution and promotes circular economy by repurposing valuable materials into new products.”
“Come and enjoy Panaad sa Negros while learning about our role for cleaner and greener Negros,” city environment management officer-designate Armela Waldato said.
Meanwhile, the Cadiz City Green Roof is an eco-friendly rooftop garden planted with upland kangkong, spring onion, garlic chives, RC27 rice, lettuce, pechay, sweet potatoes, and malabar spinach.
Its Solid Waste Management Corner presents the city’s “dedication to sustainability through proper waste segregation, innovative recycling programs, and eco-friendly waste management solutions.”
Sagay City’s destination pavilion is also an advocacy booth for sustainable and responsible tourism.
“It has become a vibrant hub for promoting sustainable tourism and showcasing the city’s rich art, cultural heritage and natural wonders,” its information and tourism office said.
All the province’s cities and municipalities, including the highly-urbanized Bacolod City, participate in the week-long “festival of all festivals” that runs until Sunday.* with PNA reports
