City commends Picpican who introduced the term ‘Panagbenga’

Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed city council resolution no. 484, series of 2022, commending Isikias ‘Ike’ T. Picpican in recognition of his meritorious contribution in introducing the term ‘Panagbenga’ that became the institutionalized indigenous name of the annually celebrated Baguio Flower Festival in the Summer Capital.

The measure states that the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation chaired by then lawyer Damaso E. Bangaoet created an identity of a festival that would reflect the history, traditions and values of the City of Baguio and the Cordilleras, and shortly thereafter, a Hymn for the Festival was composed by Prof. Macario Fronda of the Saint Louis University.

In 1996, the Baguio Flower Festival on its second celebration had acquired the local name ‘Panagbenga,’ which came from a Kankana-ey term for ‘a season of blooming’ or ‘a time for flowering’ that was officially suggested by Picpican,, curator of the Saint Louis University Museum.

“The festival provided an opportunity for flower and ornamental plant growers to promote their industry, for the pony handlers to display their equestrian skills, and for all sectors of the community to contribute their artistic talents and cultural creativity for the entire community, visitors and tourists to experience, reflect and enjoy,” the resolution states.

It claims that the Baguio Flower Festival or ‘Panagbenga’ proved to be the biggest crowd drawer among all other festivals and activities in Baguio that contributed to the acceleration of its tourism industry and an increase in the income of the business community during the celebration of the festival. Moreover, through the festival, appreciation of the city’s unique culture has gradually increased.

Recognitions have been bestowed on Bangaoet as the Father of Panagbenga and Fronda as composer of the Panagbenga Hymn, and it is but proper for the city government to finally recognize the person who created/researched the term “Pangbenga” as the official title of the festival.

“The celebration of ‘Panagbenga’ in Baguio for many years now has boosted the status of the city as the Summer Capital and Flower Garden City of the Philippines,” the resolution states. – Gaby B. Keith