SolTuna, Sales and Marketing Rep, Mr. Paul Manoa (left) hands over 15 cartoons of Tuna products to Director of Culture, who also Chairman of NATPAN 2026 Organizing Committee, Mr. Dennis Maritia (second from left). Also, picture is Mr. John Masitalo – Soltuna Warehouse rep (right), Ms. Grace Nanau – NATPAN Committee member (second from right) and Ms. Raijieli Kibule from Soltuna Admin (back).
SolTuna and Sasa Water support NATPAN festival 2026
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 08/06/2026: The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, through the National Panpipe Festival (NATPAN) 2026 Organising Committee, has acknowledged SolTuna and Sasa Water Company for their generous support towards the upcoming festival.
The two companies join a list of confirmed sponsors including Solomon Telekom, VFresh Water Company, Tourism Solomons, Solrice, and Solomon Islands government.
On Friday 5th June, 2026, SolTuna has handed over 15 cartons of tuna products, while Sasa Water Company, 10 cartons of distilled drinking water to the organizing committee. The donations will help provide food and water supplies for panpipe groups traveling from provinces to Honiara for the festival, which will be held from 1–5 July 2026.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Director of Culture Division under Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Chairman of NATPAN Festival 2026, Mr. Dennis Marita, thanked SolTuna and Sasa Water Company for their valuable contributions and support.
Mr. Marita said the organising committee greatly appreciates the assistance, which will help a lot in the successful hosting of the festival.
He explained that NATPAN Festival 2026 marks the third edition of the event, following successful festivals held in 2017 and 2019. The festival was subsequently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparations for the Pacific Games but is now returning this year.
Mr Marita added that NATPAN and the IUMI WAN Festival are both key cultural events that are held on a biannual rotating basis, providing ongoing opportunities to celebrate and promote the country’s rich cultural heritage.
As cultural festivals continue to form part of the Ministry’s ongoing programme, Mr Marita said the Ministry looks forward to strengthening its partnership with SolTuna and other corporate partners in future events.
Representing SolTuna, Sales and Marketing Representative Mr Paul Manoa expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support the festival for the first time.
Mr. Manoa said SolTuna is pleased to contribute to this important cultural event and hopes its support will benefit participating groups and contribute to the festival’s success.
He also reaffirmed the company’s interest in establishing a long-term partnership with the Ministry and supporting future cultural festivals.
In response, Mr Marita welcomed SolTuna’s commitment and expressed optimism about building a strong and lasting partnership for future cultural events.
The NATPAN Festival 2026 Organising Committee is also expecting to receive support from other sponsors in the coming weeks as preparations for the festival continue.