BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental expressed confidence that the ongoing renovation of the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan here will be completed in time for the “MassKara sa Panaad” next month.
According to Lacson, the most pressing concern is the condition of local government unit (LGU) pavilions at the stadium.
Not used for the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, some pavilions have fallen into disrepair or showed signs of poor maintenance. The maintenance is the responsibility of the LGUs.
“There is some work needed. But after MassKara, I think they really need to do some renovations in time for the Panaad sa Negros Festival [in April 2023],” Lacson said.
The “MassKara sa Panaad” will be from Oct. 10 to 16.
So far, according to the governor, the only LGU he knows that will renovate its pavilion is San Carlos City.
Lacson said the provincial government will be giving P100,000 as aid to LGUs participating in the “MassKara sa Panaad”.
“If you don’t open your pavilion, then wala aid,” Lacson said.
When asked how many LGUs will actually participate, Lacson said during his meeting with 31 town and city mayors, 24 showed up.
The seven LGUs, however, have not explicitly said they won’t participate.
As for the Panaad Stadium’s sports facilities, Lacson said the swimming pool is not yet available for use, although from what he has gathered, there are no MassKara swimming competitions.
The football field, on the other hand, is ready for games./PN
