Panaad festival 2026 sales hit PHP 29.4M

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The 30th edition of the Panaad sa Negros Festival, held from April 13–19 at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here, generated PHP 29.4 million in sales, or PHP 12.8 million more than last year’s PHP 16.6 million.

Sales peaked over the weekend, reaching PHP 5.6 million on Saturday and PHP 5.7 million on Sunday.

The strong turnout was driven by increased participation from micro, small, and medium enterprises, which also created temporary jobs and boosted the transportation, hospitality, and retail sectors.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental said the steady rise in daily sales underscores the value of continued investment in cultural festivals as a driver of economic growth.

The 30th festival carried the theme “30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together,” marking three decades of unity, culture, and pride among Negrenses.

Panaad sa Negros 2026 executive director Charina Magallanes-Tan expressed gratitude for the widespread support that made the milestone festival a success.

She credited leaders, organizers, participants, and visitors for celebrating Negrense identity and unity.

“This 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival has been nothing short of extraordinary and it is because of all of you – our leaders, partners, organizers, participants, and festival-goers that we have once again celebrate the very essence of being Negrense,” she said in a message during the festival’s closing ceremony Sunday.

Tan also recognized entrepreneurs and vendors for showcasing local products and flavors, saying their efforts reflected the province’s strong entrepreneurial spirit.

She thanked local government units, performers, and front-line personnel, including security staff, health responders, and volunteers, for helping ensure a safe and orderly event.

She said the festival’s success showed what Negrenses can achieve through unity and shared purpose, backed by months of preparation and coordination.

“Behind the vibrant festivities, dazzling performances, and bustling Panaad Park, months of planning and coordination, we did it together, and we did it well together with the blessings of God,” Tan said.

Generally peaceful

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region reported a peaceful and orderly celebration, with an estimated 45,000 attendees during peak events.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, commended local government units, partner agencies, and festival-goers for their cooperation, attributing the incident-free festivities to careful planning, close coordination, and the dedicated service of personnel.

“The successful and peaceful conduct of this year’s festival did not happen by chance. It was the result of careful planning, close coordination, long hours of duty, and the unwavering commitment of authorities who served in this task group,” Ibay said in a statement.

As the Panaad task group was deactivated, Ibay said the mission does not end there.

“We simply close one operation while carrying forward the lessons, partnerships, and trust we have built together. Public safety does not stop. It continues in every community, every patrol, and every act of service,” he added.