• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid a crippling fuel crisis, the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival opened on April 13, the spirit of Negrenses to mark the annual celebration was not dampened, as an estimated 24,150 visitors trooped to the Panaad Park and Stadium festival sites in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, to witness the series of activities, highlighted by a Ben&Ben concert, aside from enjoying the booths of 32 local government units which showcasing their respective products.
Stressing that Negros Occidental needs the Panaad sa Negros Festival, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the overwhelming “sea of people” proves the point.
The day 1 sales of the Panaad sa Negros were recorded at P3,385,130.14, surpassing last year’s P1,859,306. In 2024, sales for the same day were recorded at P2,208,030, while 2023 day 1 sales logged 2,049,379.
Holding this festival is proving to be doing something more than just entertainment, Diaz said, adding that Panaad Festival continues to improve the economic, social and cultural conditions of Negrosanons.
In his speech during the opening of 30th Panaad sa Negros festival on April 13, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson described the event as a testament to the shared history and unity of Negrenses.
Last year, we said “The Future Unfolds.” Today, we stand in that future—stronger, more united, and more inspired by what we have achieved together, even as we continue to face challenges in a world that is never without uncertainty, Lacson said.
As we embark on this week-long celebration, let us embrace the opportunities that lie before us. Let us showcase the best of Negros Occidental, not only to our fellow Negrenses but to the world. Together, let us enrich the historical landscape of Panaad sa Negros, ensuring that its legacy endures through time, he added.
In his speech, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito said “The Panaad Festival 2026 stands as a testament of who we are as Negrenses, and where we are going. It showcases the very best of Negros.”
Stressing also that the festival showcases the very best of Negros – culture, food and talent, Ejercito said “For our young people, this is also very important that despite the challenges, we give them space to express themselves and celebrate.”
The festival opening ceremony was also attended by Negros Occidental solons, including Javier Miguel Benitez and Abang Lingkod Representative Manuel Frederick Ko, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, led by Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso, city and municipal mayors, among others.*
