• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Panaad sa Negros will staging a comeback on April 17 to 23, disclosed Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz yesterday.
Diaz said that a budget of P25 million has been allocated for this year’s Panaad sa Negros festival, excluding the financial support to all participating local government units, which will be taken from the Grants and Donations budget of the Office of Governor.
Instead of a foundation, Diaz said the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) will serve as a partner of the provincial government in managing financial obligations, and help them in showcasing “best of the best Negros products,” during the week-long festivities.
The launching of the Panaad sa Negros festival is slated on February 13, at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.
During the festivities, Diaz said there will be three major concerts by popular Manila bands, to be spread out over the week, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, with local bands as the front acts.
Aside from showcasing the Lin-ay sa Negros beauty pageant, festival dances of various local government units, and many other activities, Diaz also said that they will introduce a new event called the “Best of Negros Products” trade fair.
It will showcase the best national, regional and provincial level winners from food to non-food categories, he added.
“Should it be successful, it will be an annual event,” Diaz said.
Expected to be invited are national government officials, with the guest list up for approval by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson.*
