Panaad Festival opens Saturday, security up

THOUSANDS of Negrenses and guests from other places are expected to gather Saturday, April 14, for the opening of the silver edition of Panaad sa Negros Festival at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Since this is the silver celebration of Panaad Festival, which is dubbed as the “festival of all festivals,” it will showcase more unique activities and culture of Negros, said Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

"You have to see the best that every 13 cities and 19 municipalities will offer in terms of products, arts, and culture, tourism destinations, among others," the governor said.

He said that everyone will experience the brand of Negrense hospitality that our visitors come back for, year after year.

This year’s theme is “Panaad@25: The Promise Fulfilled.”

A Thanksgiving Mass will be held 8 a.m. on the second floor of the Panaad Stadium.

It will be followed by ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the Festival Costume Exhibit, Organic Village, Negros First Food Park, Livestock and Dairy Fair, Eco-Garden Show, Trade Fair and Exhibit, and Bamboo Village.

In the afternoon, the Panaad Motorcade will start 2 p.m. at the Provincial Capitol grounds which will pass along the main streets of Bacolod City, going to the Panaad Park and Stadium.

The opening ceremony will be held 4 p.m. at the Panaad Stadium.

Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson will give his welcome message during the program.

There will be a raising of banners of the towns and cities.

Fourth District Board Member Victor Javellana, chairman of the Provincial Board Committee on Tourism, will lead the raising of the provincial banner while Panaad Festival Executive Director Ma. Lina Sanogal will lead in the raising of the Panaad banner.

Department of Interior and Local Government Assistant Secretary for External and Legislative Affairs Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri is the guest of honor and speaker.

Marañon will give his message and declare the official opening of the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival.

It will be followed by the Best of Festival Dance Competition and GMA Kapuso Night featuring stars Mike Tan, Martin del Rosario, Kate Valdez, and Enrico Cuenca.

The opening ceremonies will be capped by a fireworks display.

Security up

A total of 1,072 law enforcers will be sent off today for the security of the 25th Panaad sa Negros Festival.

Chief Superintendent Cesar Binag, regional director of Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) will lead the send-off ceremony at Panaad Park and Stadium around 8 a.m.

Inspector Charmae De Paz, public information officer of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), said Friday that 828 policemen and 244 civilian volunteers and uniformed men from other government sectors will be deployed to secure the festivity for a week.

Of the 828 policemen, 60 were from Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the remaining were from provincial police, and PRO-6 personnel who are undergoing their training in the province.

Personnel from Highway Patrol Group, Aviation Security, and Maritime will also be deployed at the venue.

De Paz said two policemen from the different police stations will also be assigned to each booth per city and municipality.

The security force also includes Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), rescue teams, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, among others.

Assistance hubs, checkpoint operations, police visibility, and security patrols in strategic areas will also be conducted.

De Paz reminded the public that bringing of sharp objects like a knife, ice pick, and the like are prohibited.

All Permits to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence are also suspended for 11 days from April 12 to 22 at Pana-ad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan.

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