THE Provincial Government officially launched Tuesday, February 11, the Panaad sa Negros Festival which will be held from April 20 to 26.
But Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said, “As for the novel coronavirus situation, we will continue preparing for Panaad 2020 and we will not allow the condition which might not exist in April dampen our spirit. However, we will not sacrifice the health of our constituents. We will be willing to postpone or cancel the event if the need arises. The health and well-being of Negrenses is my utmost concern and priority.”
Lacson added that despite the ongoing repair and renovation of the Panaad Stadium the Panaad sa Negros Festival will go on as the main stadium will not be used.
Lacson said the main focus of Panaad this year which is themed “Panaad 2020: The Future is now” will focus on food tourism, sports tourism, agri-tourism, culture, arts and heritage tourism, adventure tourism, ecotourism, sustainable tourism and festival tourism.
Dubbed as the festival of all festivals, Panaad will highlight the local agriculture and livestock products and will be honoring farmers and fisherfolks during the Pasidungog Night.
During the launching yesterday provincial officials assured that everything will be in place and addressed to especially on concerns about traffic congestion, parking, and peace and order.
Negros Occidental Provincial Police Director Colonel Romeo Baleros said that they will deploy 1,000 personnel including the army and force multipliers during the duration of the festival.
This year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival executive director is Provincial Tourism Officer Jennylind Cordero.
The Panaad Committee has already lined-up programs and activities for the one week celebration which is now on its 27th year.