EARNINGS of local government units (LGUs) and other sellers during the 22nd Panaad sa Negros Festival from April 13 to 19 reached P6.179 million, higher by more than 12 percent compared to last year's income.

Last year's Panaad Festival total sales was P5.542 million.

Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., in his speech during the closing ceremonies Sunday, acknowledged the growing crowd in this year's Panaad Festival and said he is hoping that next year's celebration will attract more visitors.

Based on the initial report of the Panaad Committee, total sales of LGU Pavilions was pegged at P3.704 million; garden show, P700,000; organic village, P753,000; and livestock and dairy, P1.021 million.

San Carlos City remained the top grosser for the LGU pavilions with sales totaling P1.312 million, followed by Cadiz City, P718,579, and Calatrava, P614,727.

A joint report of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), and Technology and Livelihood Development Center (TLDC) showed that San Carlos City was also last year's top grosser with sales of P1.138 million. In 2014, Calatrava was in second place with P379,483, Manapla, third, with P222,884.00.

Marañon recognized the efforts of the organizers of this year's Panaad sa Negros for its success.