BACOLOD CITY - Senator Imee Marcos lauded the provincial government of Negros Occidental for staging the 28th Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium here on Monday, April 15.

Themed “Living the Promise,” the province’s “mother of all festivals,” will run until Sunday, April 21.

Marcos, who was the guest of honor during the festival opening, said “Panaad is no longer a mere promise, but in fact, an achievement.”

In her speech, Marcos noted that the staging of the colorful festive occasion was a living promise of better and brighter days ahead for the province. “The promise of bright and better days of our forefathers has finally arrived,” she said.

Marcos said that she learned something new through the festival, which she said she would like to replicate in her home province of Ilocos Norte. “We need also the trade boost and exhibitions so that each of the towns (in Ilocos Norte) can get some ROI from the expense of fiesta, selling their very best products and specialties. This is truly a best practice,” she added.

Marcos also highlighted the province’s slogan “Abanse Negrense,” which, she noted, was not just a mere slogan, but the truth and reality of the progress and prosperity of Negros Occidental.

Marcos likewise commended the vibrant costumes showcased by various cities and municipalities at the festival, which prompted her to give an additional cash prize of P200,000 to the winners in the two categories competing in the best of festival dances competition. “The fact that you have joined the contest, makes you all winners,” she said. 

Prior to the afternoon event, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the ceremonial ringing of the bell which signified the official opening of the festival. 

It was followed by the opening of the Livelihood and Food Security Fair (Organic Village), Food Alley (South Road, Panaad Park), Livestock and Dairy Fair Exhibit (East Road, Panaad Grounds), and MUAD and provincial government Abanse Trade Fair (Panaad Stadium Lobby).

In his message, Lacson said that the provincial government with their partners are going to great lengths to make this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival as enjoyable and memorable as possible for both tourists and all local officials. 

“This Panaad week, let us come together and celebrate as one united province because after fulfilling the promise last year, we are now living the promise of Panaad,” the governor said.

Lacson said that the festival which is now on its 28th year remains to be the embodiment of unity among the Negrenses and the 32 local chief executives.

Lacson said that the success of the festival is tributable to an unequivocable support of the local chief executives and all local officials. “Without the local government units’ active participation, the festival will not be a renowned festival that it is,” he added.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to showcase the best of Negros Occidental and the Negrenses and enrich the Panaad historical landscape, as the festival of all festivals of the province, and create lasting memories for both present and future generations,” he said.

Provincial tourism officer Cheryl Decena lauded everyone for their efforts, the provincial government, the cities and municipalities, without which Panaad sa Negros Festival will never be a huge success that it is today.