by Eugene Adiong on Mon, 04/24/2017

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., showcased the province’s agriculture and tourism possibilities during the opening of the 24th Panaad sa Negros, Saturday at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Marañon said he wants to further improve the province’s agriculture since the Philippines is an “agricultural country.”

The province needs to further diversify besides the sugar industry, as it is not safe to have a mono crop economy, he said.

“Ever since before, Negros has been known for its sugar. We are trying to diversify from sugar to other possibilities, such as cattle raising, dairy, rice farming, poultry, and swine,” he pointed out.

Aside from agriculture, Marañon also pointed out the importance of tourism for the province as it has “a multiplier effect for other industries.”

He said in this year’s celebration, they are expecting a 20 percent increase in the number of tourists to grace the festival.

The event should also attract more visitors this year as the city is also hosting several different summer conventions, with a delegation from Pampanga expected to visit this week, he said.

Marañon also cited the reason why the Panaad Festival is also called the “festival of festivals” because tourists can get to experience the festivities from other towns and cities in Negros Occidental in one venue only.

“This celebration is province-wide, and unlike Bacolod’s MassKara Festival, this is the only festival that is participated by all local government units,” he said.

Also attending the opening ceremonies, were Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo, and Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Silvino Tejada, Marañon.

Rep. Alfredo Benitez (3rd district) and Rep. Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod Partylist as well as mayors and other local officials were also present.* (Eugene A. Adiong)