By JEN BAYLON
A P30 million budget has been allocated by the Negros Occidental provincial government for the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival from March 24 to 30.
Each participating town and city in the province will be provided P400,000 in financial assistance, and P50,000 each for Lin-ay sa Negros contestants.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the bidding process for kiosks at the festival site will begin soon.
“There will be floor prices for the tents, and then they can bid for that kiosk. The highest bid will be the one awarded,” he explained.
The festivities will accommodate 128 tents, including 17 in the food alley, to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
“We would like to give as many people the chance to participate and earn during the Panaad,” Diaz said.
He said they are preparing for big events at the festival, with performers that are expected to draw huge crowds.
Dubbed as the “festival of all festivals,” this year’s edition of the Panaad sa Negros will have a theme “The Future is Now.”
Diaz is hopeful that it will be one of the annual event’s greatest versions.
Preparations are in full swing, with a site inspection conducted at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City last Wednesday, January 22.
The stage will be strategically placed at the center of the football field to enhance audience experience.
Additionally, 19 portalets have already been set up to ensure convenience for attendees.
Meanwhile, Diaz said the annual festival will go on as Kanlaon Volcano remains restless.
“These are the times that we can bring back the spirit of joy to the people,” he said, as thousands of residents have been evacuated amid Kanlaon’s volcanic activities since last month.
“We also want to celebrate the unity of the whole province and to showcase to the entire country what we can accomplish if we work together,” Diaz added.
Earlier, the Panaad Park and Stadium had been identified by the Office of Civil Defense as among the evacuation sites for about 37,000 residents in La Castellana town, in case Kanlaon erupts.
“We will try to give you the best show this 2025, hoping that all aspects go well, including the situation with Mt. Kanlaon,” Diaz said./JB, WDJ