• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Despite economic challenges due to a global fuel crisis, the estimated sales for the week-long Panaad sa Negros almost reached P30 million, breaking all previous records, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II disclosed on Monday.
In the midst of a fuel crisis, this is a miracle that only Negrenses can pull off, Diaz said.
The most single-day sales was reported on Day 7, April 19, reaching P5.699 million.
Day 1 sales were pegged at P3.385 million; Day 2 – P2.077 million; Day 3 – P4.36 million; Day 4 – P3.707 million; Day 5 – P4.545 million; and Day 6 was at P5,647 million.
The Day 7, capped the weeklong celebration of Panaad on April 19 with a concert of the band Parokya ni Edgar, where 45,000 visitors were logged, according to Diaz.
This year festival edition was also described as historic, as 32 local government units participated in the search for Lin-ay sang Negros, among other activities and events.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson lauded the peaceful and successful celebration, as he highlighted the collective effort of local leaders, participants, communities, and law enforcement agencies.
The Task Group Panaad Festival 2026, tasked to secure the various sites of Panaad sa Negros Festival was deactivated on Monday.
In his speech read by regional police spokesperson Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay lauded the vigilance and professionalism of police personnel and other security forces, in ensuring the peaceful celebration of the weeklong festival.*
