For the first time in its 30-year history, the Panaad sa Negros Festival created a dedicated space for young people through the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc. (NYLI) initiative, Handurawan: The Panaad sa Negros Festival Youth Activities, advancing meaningful youth participation, representation, and leadership in the province.
As the official implementing partner, NYLI led Handurawan as a platform where young people could participate, express their realities, and contribute to conversations shaping their communities.
Held from April 13 to 18, 2026, the initiative gathered youth from across Negros Occidental through cultural, creative, and civic engagements anchored on the theme “30 Years of Bringing Negrenses Together.” Activities included advocacy talks, a youth film festival, poetry writing, reel-making, campus journalism day, a youth career expo, Hinampang sang Kabataan, the Panaad Youth Explorer Pass, and the Negrosanon Youth Day.
These platforms enabled young people to share their advocacies, engage in dialogue, build connections, and contribute to a more inclusive and grounded Negrense narrative.
Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson acknowledged the partnership with NYLI and the role of youth-led initiatives in the festival.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to our valued partner, the NYLI and stakeholders. Your unwavering support and commitment are the cornerstone of our success.”
NYLI Executive Director Kevin Gaitan emphasized that Handurawan reflects a long-standing push for meaningful youth representation.
We have come far in this fight for a seat at the table. This year, young people were given the space we once longed for and worked hard for. Our voices are no longer tokens, but part of meaningful representation.”
He added that sustained collaboration between local government and youth organizations is key to deepening these efforts.
“We are building communities where young people are heard and included in spaces where decisions are made, where voices are amplified as we speak truth to power.”
Key highlights included the Negrosanon Youth Day, which brought together young people from different local government units; Hinampang sang Kabataan, which revived traditional Filipino games and fostered connection through play; and the Youth Showroom, where 17 youth-led and youth-serving organizations showcased their work and advocacies.
Beyond the activities, Handurawan strengthened partnerships among local government units, youth organizations, and development actors, opening more pathways for collaboration and support for youth initiatives across the province.
As the festival marks its 30th year, the initiative signals a commitment to sustaining youth participation in future Panaad celebrations and local development efforts.
“This is only the beginning,” Gaitan added. “We look forward to expanding these spaces and continuing to build a Negros where every young person has a seat at the table.”