The 30th Panaad sa Negros, the festival of all festivals in Negros Occidental, generated PHP29.42 million in sales, the highest since its post-pandemic return in 2023, and drew a record crowd of 45,000 during its culmination at the Panaad Park and Stadium here Sunday.
Figures released by the provincial government on Monday showed that this year’s sales are up by 47 percent, or PHP12.82 million, compared with the total sales of PHP16.6 million in 2025.
The opening day sales on April 13 totaled PHP3.38 million; April 14 (PHP2.07 million); April 15 (PHP4.36 million); April 16 (PHP3.7 million); April 17 (PHP4.54 million); April 18 (PHP5.64 million); and April 19 (PHP5.69 million).
“I am proud of every Negrense’s resilience and creativity despite the economic challenges in our midst,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said in his closing message.
The annual festival is participated in by all 32 cities and municipalities in Negros Occidental, including this capital city, each with its own themed pavilion at the park to showcase their famous delicacies, tourist attractions, culture, and heritage.
Aside from the daily crowds at the festival site, millions also watched livestreams of the weeklong events, especially the Lin-ay sang Negros pageant on April 17, which drew 1.3 million views on Facebook.
In a statement on Monday, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said the real value or success of the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival can never be measured.
“Its benefits to all Negrenses and Negros Occidental are priceless. The total estimated sales reached almost PHP30 million, breaking all previous records,” he added.
Festival director Charina Magallanes-Tan thanked the province’s leaders, partners, organizers, participants, and festival-goers for once again celebrating the very essence of being Negrenses at the festival.
“Behind the vibrant festivities, dazzling performances, and bustling Panaad Park, there were months of planning, coordination, and teamwork. We wrap up this historic and unforgettable week with a grateful heart,” she said. (PNA)
