21st Panaad sa Negros Festival kicks off

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The 21st Panaad sa Negros Festival opened yesterday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in this city.

With the theme Organik na Negros: Rising to the Challenge of Globalization in 2015, the week-long celebration started with a thanksgiving mass, followed by the opening ceremonies for the Panaad Tourism, Agri-Trade Fair and Exhibits, Daily Organik na Negros Agri Fest, DA-RFO6-Regional Agri-Food Fair; Eco-Garden Show and Solid Waste Management Advocacy.

A parade of 76 roasted pigs (lechon), together with a motorcade and floats, also highlighted the opening rites.

Five regions joined in the Regional Agriculture and Food Fair showcasing agri-fishery commodities, vegetables and other food products.

Participating LGUs were Iloilo, Capiz, Guimaras, Antique, Aklan and Negros Occidental of  Region 6, San Fernando and La Union of Region 1, Cebu of Region 7, MIMAROPA of Region 4B and Davao of  Region 11.

Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. led the opening ceremonies with Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and the Provincial Board members.

Governors Roel Degamo of   Negros Oriental, Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras and Yevgeny Emano of Misamis Oriental attended the event along with Negros Oriental Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias and PB members.  — Contributed article