By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson revealed that they target to launch this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival on March 1, more than a month before the actual festivities set from April 17 to 23.

Lacson said the launching on the said date would be enough time for them to also reveal the official logo and music for the festival, which a contest was held by the provincial government earlier this month.

The launch venue is tentatively set at the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon, although it would be subject to weather conditions, he said.

As part of preparations for the Panaad sa Negros, Lacson also revealed that each of the 31 local government units (LGUs) in the province would receive a subsidy.

Just this week, Lacson also appointed Provincial Tourism Officer Cheryl Decena as festival director, while Engineer Jose Maria Amugod was named as logistics head.

The governor also released an executive order creating the organizing committee to ensure a smooth and successful event.

The Panaad sa Negros is an annual event hosted by the provincial government.

The event is dubbed as the “Festival of all Festivals” in Negros Occidental, as its 31 LGUs will feature the best they can offer from culture, sports, food, and tourism.

The event will also be held for the first time after a three-year hiatus brought by the COVID-19 pandemic./DGB, WDJ