The Philippine Football Federation and the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental are negotiating for a possible international friendly football tournament featuring the Azkals.

In a text message sent to RMN Bacolod, Azkals team manager Dan Palami said that if the pitch at the Panaad Park and Stadium will be ready by last week of May, then the PFF is inclined to hold an Azkals’ game in Bacolod.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. confirmed the negotiation between his office and the PFF.

He said nothing has been finalized yet, but if it pushes through, the PFF will pay for the use of the stadium and will take charge of everything, including the selling of the tickets.

Marañon, however, said they will try to ask for free tickets for the uncovered bleachers to be distributed to Azkals fans in Negros.

Meanwhile, the governor said the province’s has a good chance of winning the bid to host next year’s Palarong Pambansa.

He said the existing facilities at the Panaad and the Paglaum Sports give Negros an advantage against the other bidders, including Cebu.

The successful staging of the 2012 estern Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet at the Panaad a couple of weeks ago, is a validation of the province’s capability of hosting a multi-event competition, he said.

While he prefers to adopt a low-key position as far as lobbying is concerned, the governor is confident of winning the Palaro hosting bid.

He added that the ongoing construction of the Provincial Cyber Center at the Paglaum Sports Complex will complement the plans of developing the football field and the volleyball and basketball courts at the site.

The tracks, however, will have to go as all athletics events in future tournaments will be held at the Panaad, the governor said.

He also announced that all Negrense athletes who won medals in the 2012 WVRAA will receive cash incentives from the provincial government.

Gold medalists in last year’s regional meet received P5,000 each, P3,000 for the silver medalists, and P2,000 for bronze medalists.

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