First couple can’t make it on Panaad opening day

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental acting governor Jeffrey Ferrer on Tuesday said that President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos cannot make it to the opening day of the Panaad sa Negros Festival on April 17, 2023.

But Ferrer, who was designated as acting governor by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson from April 10-16, 2023, told reporters that Mrs. Marcos may grace the festival on any day during the weeklong festivities.

Ferrer was designated by Lacson to invite the first couple to the Panaad Festival being the personal adviser of the President in Western Visayas.

Ferrer said that April 17 is the first couple’s wedding anniversary so there is already word that they cannot attend the opening ceremonies.

But he was also asked to provide the couple with activities for the weeklong celebration that will culminate on April 23.

He said the first couple may just decide to attend any of the activities during the week.

Earlier, Lacson said that both the President and the Vice President are invited to the very first in-person celebration of the Panaad sa Negros Festival after a 3-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.