BACOLOD City — The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental officially launched the 30th edition of the Panaad sa Negros Festival on March 13 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, ushering in the countdown to one of the province’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
Dubbed the “festival of all festivals,” the Panaad sa Negros highlights the rich heritage, traditions, and unity of Negrenses, with the participation of all 32 cities and municipalities of the province, including the highly urbanized city of Bacolod City.
One of the highlights of the launching program was the sashing ceremony of the 32 candidates for Lin-ay Sang Negros, who will represent their respective local government units in the festival’s prestigious beauty pageant.
Adding color to the event, candidates of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide 2026 also graced the celebration, helping promote the province’s vibrant tourism industry while showcasing Negrense culture and heritage.
Provincial officials likewise unveiled the official theme and festival music for this year’s celebration. The milestone edition carries the theme “30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together,” commemorating three decades of unity, culture, and pride among the people of Negros Occidental.
The weeklong festival is scheduled from April 13 to 19, 2026, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City.
In his message, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson described the launching as a prelude to the grand celebration marking the festival’s 30th anniversary.
“With exactly a month to go before our most-awaited weeklong celebration, this afternoon’s launch serves as a prelude to the festivities that will soon embrace our beloved province,” Lacson said.
He emphasized that the 2026 edition marks a milestone celebration honoring three decades of the festival’s role in bringing Negrenses together.
“For 30 years now, the Panaad sa Negros Festival has brought Negrenses together in celebration of our heritage, our hopes, our challenges, our victories, and our shared identity as one province,” the governor said.
Lacson also expressed gratitude to provincial leaders and stakeholders, including Vice Gov. Jose Benito Alonso, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, mayors, and other partners for their continued support in organizing the event.
“With this demonstration of support and the manifest cooperation between the provincial government and all our local government units, I am confident that Panaad 2026 will be a resounding success,” Lacson added.
More than a celebration, the governor said the festival serves as a reminder of the unity and shared vision that have defined the province for the past three decades.
“Panaad will stand as a powerful reminder of what the festival has achieved for the past 30 years—bringing Negrenses together in shared pride, shared purpose, and a shared vision for a brighter future for our province and our people,” he said./PN
