By CESAR JOLITO III

A strong surge of festival goers and robust economic activity marked the opening of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival on Monday, April 13, recording significant earnings on its first day with sales reaching an estimated P3.38 million.

The figure reflects an increase of P1,525,823 compared to the opening day sales of last year’s festival, indicating stronger commercial activity and visitor spending.

The turnout and revenue performance underscore a high level of public interest and participation in this year’s festival, which remains one of Negros Occidental’s flagship cultural and economic events.

Organizers expect continued momentum in the coming days as more activities and attractions unfold.

The province also recorded an estimated 24,150 attendees during the festival’s opening ceremony at the Panaad Park and Stadium on Monday night.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II reported that Sector 5 drew the largest share of the crowd with around 20,000 attendees.

This was followed by Sector 3 with 1,500 and Sector 6 with 1,200.

Other sectors also posted notable turnout, contributing to the overall high attendance during the festival’s opening night./CJ, WDJ