Nat'l figures, celebs grace 16th Panaad sa Negros Festival
BACOLOD CITY -- National officials and celebrities flooded at the opening ceremony of 16th Panaad sa Negros Festival last Saturday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan.
Governor Isidro Zayco welcomed the guests together with local officials from various cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano spoke in front of thousand crowds with Rep. Mikey Arroyo, representing his mother, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Senators Loren Legarda, Mar Roxas and Manny Villar were also in Bacolod for the event.
The opening started with a Motorcade and LGU Floats Competition from Provincial Capitol to the park.
On Saturday morning some activities were opened for the Panaad Tourism and Trade Fair at the LGU Pavilions, Negros’ Best Products Display, Organic na Negros Agri-Fest, Livestock and Dairy Products Fair, Festival Costumes Exhibit and Competition, Eco-Garden and Wellness Show, and First Annual Panaad Motor Show.
The Panaad opening night was capped by a fireworks display and shows from GMA Kapuso and ABS-CBN Kapamilya networks.
In the Best Festivals competition, Bayles de Luces of La Castellana became the champion, while Isabela’s Kalag-kalag Festival and San Carlos City’s Pinta Flores Festival got the first and second places, respectively.
Yesterday night, Kapamilya artists Makisig Morales, Vice Ganda, and Chokoleit took the center stage for a Comedy Night.
Some events lined-up today are Athletics, Volleyball, Drum & Bugle Competition (Secondary Level), Panaad Derby, Search for Singing Peacemaker and Negros Pop Idol.
Ms. Ma. Lina Sanogal, Action Officer and Executive Director, said the celebration will end up on April 25, showcasing the Negrense arts and culture as well as their talents and skills with the theme, “Panaad sa Negros: Celebrating 16 Vibrant Years”.
Panaad also features the gains the province has achieved in its diversification efforts and its priority agenda particularly in Food Security and Agricultural Productivity. It is seriously developing its rice and corn industries and positioning livestock as second industry, next to sugar. It is also targeting to be a major player in the world market for organic agriculture.
The provincial government through Governor Isidro Zayco has allotted P3.8 million to ensure its financial stability for the festival.
This is aside from the P150,000 extended by the province for each town and city for the beautification and improvement of their pavilions at the festival site.