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BACOLOD CITY — The provincial government of Negros Occidental has set a P30-million budget for the 2025 Panaad sa Negros Festi-val on March 24-30 which will go on as scheduled even as Kanlaon Volcano remains restless, provincial administrator Rafrando Diaz II said on Thursday.
"These are the times that we can bring back the spirit of joy to the people," said Diaz, noting that life in past weeks, especially those living near the volcano, is full of hardships and challenges.
He added that this year's edition of the festival will have the theme "The Future is Now."
"We also want to celebrate the unity of the whole province and to showcase to the entire country what we can accomplish if we work together," Diaz said.
Diaz noted that residents affected by the Kanlaon Volcano eruption celebrated Christmas and New Year's Day at the evacua-tion centers.
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"Even in darkness, we need a little spark of light. In sadness, we need a little joy to perk up everybody," he said.
Earlier, the Panaad Park and Stadium has been identified by the Office of the Civil Defense as among the evacuation site for the more than 37,000 La Castellana residents to be evacuated in case the volcano erupts again. It is also the main venue of the Panaad festivities in April.
Diaz, meanwhile, said the bidding for kiosks at the festival site will be conducted very soon.
"The San Miguel Food Alley can accommodate about 128 tents. We would like to give as many people the chance to partici-pate and earn during the Panaad," he said.
Diaz also said preparations are ongoing for the festival's big events with performers that are expected to draw huge crowds.
"We will try to give you the best show this 2025, hoping that all aspects go well, including the situation with Mt. Kanlaon," he said.
"Hopefully, it will be one of the greatest versions of Panaad sa Negros this year."
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday the provincial government of Negros Occidental will provide each of the partic-ipating towns and cities P400,000 assistance for their participation to the festival. Each of the Lin-ay sang Negros contestants will also receive a P50,000 aid from the provincial government.
Panaad is the Hiligaynon word for "vow" or "promise," and the festival is a form of thanksgiving to Divine Providence.
