BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — A total of 852 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) were formally deployed Friday to secure the 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival during send-off rites held at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan.
The ceremony for Task Group Pana-ad Festival 2026 emphasized the inter-agency commitment to ensuring peace, order, and public safety throughout the week-long provincial celebration scheduled from April 13 to 19, 2026.
According to the Police Regional Office Northern Luzon (PRO NIR), the deployment represents one of the largest security contingents ever assembled for the annual festival, reflecting the significance of this milestone 30th anniversary celebration.
Governor and Police Officials Launch Security Operations
The send-off ceremony was led by key provincial and regional officials, with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson represented by Festival Director Charina Magallanes Tan. Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, Regional Director of PRO NIR, was represented by PCOL Lito Patay, Deputy Regional Director for Operations.
Also present were PCOL Dennis C. Wenceslao, Provincial Director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOcPPO); PCOL Eugene Rebadomia, City Director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO); and FSUPT Publicio Ploteña, Fire Marshall. Lt. Commander Chela Marie Almosa represented the Philippine Coast Guard, while Rev. Fr. PCPT Alexander Repaso led the invocation.
The deployment highlighted strong coordination among all uniformed services tasked to safeguard the influx of visitors expected throughout the festivities. Officials emphasized that the joint operation reflects unity and shared responsibility in maintaining a peaceful celebration for both Negrenses and tourists.
Multi-Agency Security Framework
The 852-strong security force combines personnel from three key agencies, each bringing specialized expertise to the festival security operations. The PNP contingent will handle crowd control, traffic management, and general law enforcement throughout the venue and surrounding areas.
Philippine Coast Guard personnel will focus on waterway security and emergency response capabilities, particularly important given the coastal location of Negros Occidental and the expected arrival of visitors via sea routes. The Bureau of Fire Protection deployment ensures rapid response capabilities for any fire-related emergencies across the expansive festival grounds.
According to festival organizers, the comprehensive security plan covers all 32 themed pavilions representing the cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental, as well as the main performance areas, food courts, and parking facilities at the Panaad Park and Stadium complex.
Three Decades of Festival Excellence
The Panaad sa Negros Festival, widely regarded as the "Festival of All Festivals," unites Negros Occidental's 32 local government units to showcase their heritage through traditional dances, local products, and thanksgiving rituals. The word "Panaad" derives from the Hiligaynon term meaning a vow or promise, with origins as a religious and agricultural ritual where locals gave thanks for bountiful harvests.
The festival was conceptualized in 1993 by the Provincial Government in partnership with private sector representatives to showcase the festivals of each of the then six cities and 26 municipalities of Negros Occidental. The inaugural edition opened on April 30, 1993, marking the significant date of the 1901 separation of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental into distinct provinces.
Originally a three-day celebration held at Capitol Park and Lagoon fronting the Provincial Capitol, the festival eventually relocated to its permanent home at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Mansilingan. The venue was constructed for the Palarong Pambansa in 1998 and now hosts themed pavilions for all 13 cities and 19 municipalities of the province.
Hall of Fame Tourism Recognition
Over the years, Panaad has evolved into one of the Philippines' most decorated tourism events. In 2017, the festival was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards after being adjudged Best Tourism Event in the Provincial Festival Category for three consecutive years.
The festival functions as a comprehensive showcase of Negrense culture, cuisine, products, and tourism opportunities, often described as Negros Occidental's version of Nayong Pilipino. This one-stop cultural experience has become a major draw for both domestic and international visitors.
Record Budget for Milestone Celebration
The provincial government allocated P50 million for the 2026 edition, reflecting the significance of the 30th anniversary milestone. Governor Lacson previously declared that Panaad 2026 will stand as a powerful reminder of three decades of bringing Negrenses together in shared pride and purpose.
Festival highlights include the Lin-ay sang Negros pageant featuring candidates from all 32 local government units, the Best of Festival Dances Competition, agri-trade fairs, extensive food parks, and the signature themed pavilions that have become the festival's trademark attraction.
Each pavilion represents a distinct municipality or city, offering visitors authentic local cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural performances that reflect the unique character of each community within Negros Occidental.
Expected Visitor Impact
With over 100,000 visitors typically drawn to the week-long celebration, the deployment of 852 security personnel demonstrates the provincial government's commitment to maintaining safety standards appropriate for the event's scale and significance.
The festival's economic impact extends beyond the immediate celebration period, as many visitors use Panaad as an opportunity to explore other attractions throughout Negros Occidental, boosting the province's overall tourism industry.
Tourism officials expect the 30th anniversary edition to attract record attendance, particularly given the special programming and enhanced pavilion presentations planned for this milestone year. The comprehensive security deployment aims to ensure that increased visitor numbers can be safely accommodated throughout the festival grounds.
The 30th Panaad sa Negros Festival runs from April 13-19, 2026, at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City. All pavilions, cultural presentations, and special anniversary programs will operate under the protection of the 852-strong multi-agency security force deployed during Friday's formal send-off ceremony.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of PRO NIR