By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government has named public information officer Charina Magallanes-Tan as director of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival, reinforcing its push for a youth-centered celebration slated for April 13 to 19, 2026.

Magallanes-Tan, who also serves as executive assistant to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, will again steer the annual festival after leading last year’s edition.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the administration is strengthening youth participation by partnering with the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc. (NYLI), a youth-led civil society group focused on leadership development and representation.

Through the partnership, NYLI is expected to propose activities and programs that will allow young Negrosanons to showcase their initiatives and actively take part in the weeklong festivities.

For this year’s festival, the province has earmarked a P50-million budget, with about 20 percent allocated for local and national performers to boost audience draw.

Diaz noted that minor adjustments will be introduced, including separate dance competitions for cities and municipalities and changes to the pavilion contest format.

Subsidies for participating local government units may also be granted, depending on their level of involvement, while requests for increased tourism subsidies remain subject to the governor’s final approval./CJ, WDJ