By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – All cities and towns in the province of Negros Occidental will start showcasing the best of their products in their respective pavilions as the Panaad sa Negros Festival kicks off today, March 17, 2023, at the Panaad Park and Stadium.
This will also be the first time the festival will be held under the leadership of Governor Eugenio Lacson who is now on his second term after a 3-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The governor and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer will lead the opening ceremony at 4 p.m. with members of the provincial board and all mayors of the 19 municipalities and 13 cities including Bacolod City.
Provincial Information Officer Chacha Magallanes-Tan on Sunday said Senator Francisco Tolentino has confirmed his attendance for the opening ceremony to be hosted by celebrity Roby Domingo.
Prior to the opening ceremony, there will be a mass at 8 a.m. to be followed by the cutting of ribbon by the governor and other officials for the Best of Products of Negros Products Trade Fair, Food Alley, Livelihood Village, Bamboo Negrense Aton Ini (Bamboo Village), PVO Animal Exhibit Area and the blessing and inauguration of the Provincial Animal Learning Park.
At 10 a.m. will be the simultaneous opening of all the theme pavilions (LGUs) while at 3 p.m. will be the motorcade from the provincial capitol to Panaad Park and Stadium.
The opening day will be capped with the fireworks display after the program and the Panaad ni Gov concert featuring the popular alternative rock band December Avenue.
The festivities will run until April 23, 2023, with the different LGUs set to compete for the Best in Festival Dance on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 as one of the much-awaited events in the 7-day festival.
Another highlight is the Lin-ay sa Negros coronation night on April 21, 2023.
On Saturday, April 14, 2023, Lin-ay sang Himamaylan, Lyzabelle Villa, was awarded Muse of the Media during the Lin-ay sang Negros 2023 Press Presentation held at Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City.
Executive Assistant to the Governor Charina Magallanes-Tan, KBP Negros Occidental president Chona Gosiaco, and Negros Press Club vice president Merlinda Pedrosa presented the award together with Himamaylan City Mayor Raymund Tongson.
Earlier, Lacson ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Command and Operation Center to go on blue alert during the festival.
Blue alert means continuous monitoring and preparedness measures are heightened.
He said people from different parts of the province and tourists are expected to join the festivities.
