Senator Imee Marcos called the Panaad sa Negros Festival “truly a best practice” for giving the towns and cities an opportunity to showcase their best during the festival’s opening program at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City on Monday, April 15.
Marcos, in her speech, called all the towns and cities winners as they showcase their products through trade fairs and exhibitions.
“Panaad is truly a best practice”, she said, adding that this is because of the trade fairs and exhibitions that make every town and city a winner.
The Panaad is not merely a promise but an achievement because of the economic gains of the province, she said.
Marcos said that Negros Occidental and Bacolod City accounted for 40 percent of Western Visayas’ Gross Domestic Product and the province has the largest share in the region’s agriculture and industrial industries.
“Panaad is not another catch word but a reality of prosperity,” she said, adding “the numbers are backed with tangible development with the construction boom from San Carlos all the way to Bacolod.”
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the success of the festival is attributable to the unequivocal support of all the mayors and officials of the province.
“Times like this are good reminders of how rewarding is my decision to devote my time and energy to serve all of you unconditionally, with all my heart and mind”, he said.
He also urged everyone to invite friends, families, and peers to come to the weeklong festival to share with them “the famed Negrense spirit, grace, and hospitality through our cuisine and products”.
Also at the Panaad opening were Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, Rep. Gerardo Valmayor (Neg. Occ., 1st District), Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer (Neg. Occ., 4th District), and the mayors and other officials of the province.
It was also highlighted with the ceremonial flag raising of all local government unit flags and the presentation of the Lin-ay sang Negros candidates.*