By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental will bid again to host the Palarong Pambansa in 2024, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday.

The province was supposed to host the event in 2021, but it was cancelled due to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lacson said the provinces of Cebu and Antique are also bidding to host next year’s games.

As part of preparations, Lacson said the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Mansilingan village will undergo major renovation.

The renovation costs P150 million, with the track and field oval alone costing P50 million.

The Panaad Park swimming stadium is also undergoing renovation and is expected to be completed late this year or early 2024.

Negros Occidental hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 1971, 1974, 1979, 1998, and 2000./DGB, WDJ