• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that the expectations for the 28th Panaad sa Negros Festival, was not only met, but even exceeded.
Lacson, who spoke last night at the closing ceremony of the festival held at the Panaad park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, attributed the success to the cooperation and collaboration of everybody involved in the realization of the festivities.
He specifically thanked Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and the entire provincial government, stressing “Without our accord, we wouldn’t be here celebrating this big yet profoundly meaningful event.”
Lacson also acknowledged participants in the different competitions, including the Lin-ay sang Negros contestants, for their extraordinary talent and dedication to represent the best of the province.
He also commended the more than 1,100 men-in-uniform and their force multipliers for a job well done, in ensuring the goal for festival-goers not only be safe, but also feel safe as well, noting how demanding their job can be, especially in the heat of El Niño.
Lacson said that the active participation of non-government organizations, government agencies, corporate sponsors, concessionaires, among others, enabled them to achieve the inclusivity and unity that Panaad represents.
He also lauded the working committee and all the production teams for making this year’s Panaad bigger and more spectacular, worthy of the time of Negrenses.
Let us carry with us the memories, experiences, and bonds forged over the past week as we look forward to the bright future ahead for Negros Occidental, Lacson further stressed.*
