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Negros Occidental

Panaad sa Negros Festival

Panaad sa Negros Festival is a agricultural, cultural, and environmental festival held in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines every April. Considered the mother of all festivals in the province and also its summer festival, it gathers all of its cities and municipalities that participate in various activities, competitions, and events. It is also a chance to showcase their cultural heritage, local festivals, identity, and unique products such as crafts and delicacies to a wider market.

History of Panaad sa Negros Festival

Panaad Festival comes from the word panaad, a word from the Hiligaynon language that means vow or promise. It was organized and established by the provincial government of Negros Occidental in May of 1993 and it lasted for three days. It coincided with the historical establishment of Negros Occidental separate from Negros Oriental in 1901.

Presently, it has been extended for an entire week. For years its activities were held in the area adjacent to Bredco port, and later it was permanently transferred to Panaad Sports and Recreational Park in Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

In 2020, activities of Panaad sa Negros were cancelled in response of COVID-19.

Panaad sa Negros Festival Schedule of Activities

Panaad sa Negros Festival boasts of many exciting events such as shows and concerts agri-trade fairs and exhibits, food parks, tourism activities, and eco-garden show. It is also an equitable space for stakeholders of the province, particularly fisher folks, farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, indigenous people, and the youth. In addition, a few of its foremost areas of advocacy are organic farming and responsible solid waste management.

Here are some of the highlights.

Lin-ay sang Negros

Lin-ay sang Negros is a beauty pageant that is held during the festival. Established in 1994, it crowns the candidate who best represents the festival and is judged the best woman among the candidates of particular year.

Panaad Bamboo Village

Panaad Bamboo Village is an area for trade fair for crafts, furniture, and products that utilize bamboo. Also called Bamboo Technology Innovation Center, it is created to conserve the remaining forest cover in the country, to wean the reliance on traditional wood sources by offering bamboo as a cost-effective alternative, and to boost the profile of Negros Occidental in the bamboo industry.

Provincial Veterinary Office Livestock and Dairy Fair

Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) Livestock and Dairy Fair is an activity that focuses the improvements and trading of live animals and dairy products and bolster the animal industry of the province. Training and seminars are also scheduled for consumers and people engaging in raising and selling of livestock. PVO also acknowledges and gives prestigious award to outstanding individuals in the industry through the annual Pasidungog Awards.

Best of Festival Dances

Best of Festival Dances is a competition among cities and municipalities in a showdown featuring the cultural dances from their respective festivals. It is an opportunity to present the best from their local celebrations every year, giving a tribute to their unique cultural identities and reaping awards for being the best dance contingent of the year.

Themed pavilions

Themed pavilions are permanent exhibition area for the participating cities and municipalities. They are located in Panaad Sports and Recreational Park in Mansilingan, Bacolod City. The present venue was originally constructed as sports complex for the Palarong Pambansa in 1998, and it is now the location of pavilions belonging to different participating cities and municipalities. These pavilions are like snapshots of the city or municipality, giving visitors a quick glance into its arts and crafts, cuisine, culture, business, history, livelihood, products, and tourist spots. It is a Negros Occidental’s version of Nayong Pilipino.

Where to go

Major activities occur in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental, specifically in Panaad Sports and Recreational Park and Provincial Capitol.

How to reach Bacolod City

Bacolod City is accessible via air, land, and sea. Bacolod International Airport is located about fifteen kilometers away, and one can book a ticket in one of its daily flights. Buses also ply the route from different points of the province and the entire island of Negros. Lastly, ferry scheduled are available to those who would want to go by sea trips coming from various islands in the country.

References

Panaad sa Negros Festival Summary

NamePanaad sa Negros Festival
CountryPhilippines
DateApril
Duration1 week
Established1993
Facebookwww.facebook.com
LocationNegros Occidental
OrganizerProvincial Government of Negros Occidental
Other NamesPanaad, Panaad Festival
Twittertwitter.com
Websitewww.panaadsanegros.com