The Negros Occidental provincial government honored the pioneers of the Panaad sa Negros Festival during the Governor’s Appreciation Night at L’Fisher Hotel on Thursday, April 16.
The event, a highlight of the festival’s landmark 30th anniversary, led by Negros Occidental Gov.r Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Gov. Jose Benito “Joeben” Alonso, recognized the individuals who established the “Festival of All Festivals” in 1993.
Leading the list of pioneers who were honored were former governor Rafael Coscolluela and former Bacolod congressman and mayor Monico Puentevella, who were cited by Lacson as the visionaries who first imagined and brought the festival to life.
Other pioneers recognized were Gabriel Alan Motus, Chart F. Motus, John Mari Gomez, Rene G. Hinojales – the first director of Lin-ay sang Negros, and the late Dolly Sinay Monares.
Lacson, in his speech, described Panaad as a “living symbol” of the Negrense people and a “meaningful milestone” representing 30 years of provincial unity.
“Because of you, we did not just build a festival; we built a tradition, a legacy, and a continuing promise to every Negrense,” Lacson said, addressing the awardees.
He highlighted that the festival has grown from a local celebration into a Hall of Fame awardee of the ATOP (Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines), recognized as the country’s Best Tourism Event in the Provincial Category.
The governor also acknowledged the support of current congressmen and local chief executives, noting that the participation of every city and municipality transforms the festival into a true showcase of Negros Occidental’s diverse identity.
As the 30th-anniversary festivities continue until Sunday, April 19, Lacson urged the community to “nurture this spirit of unity” to ensure the legacy of Panaad remains a guiding light for future generations.*
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