Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson officially opened the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City Monday afternoon, calling the milestone a testament to the shared history and unity of Negrenses.
The governor, who rang the bell to officially signal the start of the festival, said despite the unrest in the Middle East that has triggered a global surge in fuel prices, Negrenses have every reason to showcase their unity and resiliency through the Panaad.
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, whose mother former San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez is a Negrense, in his speech said “We Negrenses are known for being loving, resilient, and resourceful. Even if there are global crises reaching us, we do not waver. We fight”.
“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,” the senator said.
Reflecting on the progress made since last year’s theme, “The Future Unfolds,” the governor in his speech noted that the province has successfully navigated a landscape of global uncertainty to stand stronger today.
“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 said.
The landmark anniversary celebration, famously known as the “Festival of Festivals,” serves as a grand homecoming that brings together the unique traditions, products, and cultures of the province’s 32 local government units, he said
Lacson said that Panaad has evolved into the ultimate expression of the Negrense identity—capturing their storied past, collective triumphs, and shared aspirations.
Lacson called on all Negrenses to reaffirm their “Panaad”—their shared promise—to build a province where heritage is preserved and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Panaad sa Negros Festival director Charina Magallanes Tan said “ Panaad is no longer just a festival—it has become our identity. It is who we are as Negrenses”.
“This year’s theme, ‘Panaad sa Negros: 30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together, reminds us of our shared commitment to one another: to preserve our heritage, to uplift our communities, and to move forward together with hope, “ she added.
She said this year they are partnering with the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute.
“Through this partnership, we reaffirm that this festival is not only a celebration of who we are today, but also an investment in the youth and our future,” she said.
The crowd during the Panaad opening night was estimated at 24,000 by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Irene Bel Ploteña.*
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