23rd year of Baguio flower fest kicks off tomorrow

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government, in partnership with the private sector, will launch the 23rd annual Baguio Flower Festival or Panagbenga at city hall grounds tomorrow.

The event, which will formally open on Feb. 1, will promote the local culture and economic industries as well as Baguio as a city of flowers, according to Mayor Mauricio Domogan. 

It will also highlight the city being a UNESCO awardee for creative arts, specifically on woodcarving and weaving. 

Domogan designated Councilors Elmer Datuin and Frederico Alquiros as chairman and vice chairman of the committee that would promulgate the event’s rules and regulations, approve additional activities and supervise, oversee and monitor the running of Panagbenga.

Among the activities expected for the 2018 Panagbenga are the mardi gras, flower exhibits, street dance competition, landscape and floral design contest, fireworks display and the closing and awarding ceremony.

A policy and program review committee led by Domogan will oversee the implementation of the activities.

For this year, payments for the booths, special permits and fees for the exhibits should be paid at the city treasurer’s office. 

The flower festival annually draws thousands of local and international tourists to the city.