A Negrense artist representing the Municipality of Hinigaran was named champion of this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival Visual Arts Competition, held on April 10 at the North Block, SM City Bacolod.
Bejay Songcog of Hinigaran took home a cash prize of P30,000 for winning the championship. He will also receive P90,000 worth of scholarship grants, inclusive of Linagan Art Residency Program fees.
The Visual Arts Competition in the Panaad sa Negros Festival aims to showcase local talent while promoting the culture and identity of the Negrense people. It encourages artistic expression, preserves traditions, and strengthens community pride through visual storytelling.
Kyn Lance Gelvero of the Municipality of Ilog was named 1st runner-up with a prize of P25,000; Dennis Lecaniel of the Municipality of San Enrique won 2nd runner-up with a P20,000 cash prize; and Paulo Samson of Manapla, 3rd runner-up, took home P15,000.
Consolation prizes of P5,000 each were also awarded to Loren Espanola of La Castellana, Arby Villaruz of Cadiz City, and Neil Viril Moralizon of Hinoba-an.
Board Member Rita Gatuslao, chairperson of the SP Committee on Education, and Panaad Festival executive director Charina Magallanes-Tan led the awarding of the winners.
The competition is part of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival, which officially opens today and will run until April 19.*
