BACOLOD CITY – The provincial government of Negros Occidental officially launched the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival on Friday, March 13, a month before its formal kick-off on April 13.

Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the launching of the festival with the theme “30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together” at the Provincial Capitol Grounds here.

Dubbed as the “Festival of All Festivals,” the Panaad sa Negros Festival showcases the rich heritage, traditions, and unity of Negrenses. Thirty-two towns and cities of the province are participating.

“For this year, we gather not simply to welcome another Panaad Festival, but to celebrate a milestone,” Lacson said in his message.

“It is for this reason that the provincial government, together with our partners, is going to great lengths to make this year's Panaad truly special-fitting for a festival that, for 30 years now, has brought Negrenses together in celebration of our heritage, our hopes, our challenges, our victories, and our shared identity as one province,” he added.

Lacson said that Panaad 2026 will be a resounding success. “More than a celebration, it will stand as a powerful reminder of what the Panaad sa Negros Festival has achieved for the past 30 years, bringing Negrenses together in shared pride, shared purpose, and a shared vision for a brighter future for our province and our people,” he said.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to showcase the best of Negros Occidental and to create lasting memories for the present and the future generations,” he added.

Also held during the launching was the sashing ceremony of the 32 candidates of the Lin-ay Sang Negros pageant from local government units, cultural presentations, and unveiling of this year’s official theme and festival music.

Candidates of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2026 graced the event. The provincial government allotted P50 million for the event from April 13 to 19.