TWENTY-ONE cities and municipalities will grace the stage in one of the crowd-drawer events of Panaad sa Negros Festival, the Philippine folk dance competition scheduled on April 10, 6 p. m. at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

The participants will perform the Philippine folk dances categorized into Western Influence (formerly known as Maria Clara) and Philippine Countryside (formerly known as rural category).

The local government units that will join in the Western Influence category are Sagay City, Cadiz City, Isabela, Bago City, Manapla, Escalante City, Talisay City, Binalbagan and Kabankalan City,; while those that will compete in the Philippine Countryside category are Himamaylan City, Cauayan, Toboso, San Enrique, Pulupandan, Hinoba-an, E.B. Magalona, Silay City, Murcia, Pontevedra, La Castellana and Victoias City.

Through the years, the program aims to create and develop awareness and interest about Philippine folk dances, it also serves as an avenue for Negrense folk dance enthusiasts to maximize their full potential, to rekindle the nationalistic sentiments and appreciate the unique culture, thus instilling the spirit of patriotism to Filipinos.

The competition will have three major awards and five consolation prizes for each category. Three special awards, best in performance, best trainer, and best in costume, will also be given.

Last year, the cities of Silay and Cadiz were hailed champions in the Rural and Maria Clara categories, respectively. (PR)