Negros Occidental’s mother of all festivals “Panaad sa Negros” will officially be launched on Monday, March 18, with the presentation of the Lin-ay sang Negros candidates at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.
Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena said that they will be launching this year’s theme “Living the Promise”, showcasing how the province has lived its promise in the past and how local talents presented in the festival have taken the national and international stage.
She said that this year they are aiming to make Panaad a venue to showcase homegrown talents and to feature small producers and startup businesses.
It is expected that mayors, vice mayors and tourism officers from various towns and cities of Neg. Occ. will be attending the launching to be led by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.
Apart from the festival theme, past winners of Panaad sa Negros will also perform at the launching.
Decena said that they already have Lin-ay sang Negros candidates from 29 towns and cities in the province, including Bacolod.
Manapla, Valladolid and Pulupandan towns are yet to send their candidates and Decena hopes that they can participate in the pageant.
The provincial government is also giving a P350,000 subsidy for each local government unit joining the festival.*