By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson considers this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival “non-political.”

“We did not invite national candidates for the midterm elections,” Lacson said.

“Most of the incumbents will be here to support their respective local government units [LGUs]. That in itself could be considered campaigning,” he said when asked if local officials would be attending.

However, Lacson said local chief executives have the “right to be here and lead their constituents.”

Lacson said that local candidates can visit festival sites, allowing them “to shake hands with everybody and give T-shirts,” but not campaign materials.

In previous years, the festival was usually attended by all mayors, representatives and other local officials in Negros Occidental.

Earlier this month, former Governor Rafael Coscolluela, a consultant of the provincial government, suggested to Lacson to not allow campaigning during the 29th Panaad sa Negros Festival, which kicked off at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan yesterday afternoon.

This year’s festival, which will run until Sunday, March 30, has the theme “The Future Unfolds.”

It will showcase the festivals, history, cultural heritage, commerce, industry, and tourism of all cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, including capital Bacolod City.

The provincial government has allocated P30 million for Panaad, which includes financial assistance for participating LGUs.

Each participating town and city received P400,000 in assistance, while Lin-ay sa Negros contestants will be given P50,000 each.

Meanwhile, festival executive director Charina Magallanes-Tan highlighted a new initiative to encourage everyone to visit all pavilions of the LGUs.

“We have introduced this snap and stamp contest. They will be given like a passport, and every LGU booth that they go to will stamp their passport,” Magallanes-Tan said.

“At the end of the day, they can put it in the drop box, and then there will be a raffle, and we will choose the lucky winner. It is an initiative to encourage foot traffic in our LGU booth. It’s open to everyone,” she added.

The festival, also known as the “mother of all festivals,” involves 13 cities and 19 municipalities across the province.

“Panaad,” derived from the Hiligaynon word for “vow” or “promise,” symbolizes thanksgiving and the fulfillment of vows.

A total of 1,015 security personnel and force multipliers have been deployed to secure the week-long festival./JB, WDJ