MAYOR CALLS FOR “RENEWED OPTIMISM, STRONGER BONDS” AT SPRING FEST LAUNCH
Spring Festival Launch. The Filipino – Chinese community officially kicked off the 2026 Spring Festival celebrations during the flag-raising ceremony at Baguio City Hall earlier today, February 9. Photo by Neil Clark Ongchangco
BAGUIO CITY, (February 10, 2026) – “Let us continue to celebrate not only our diverse cultures but also the unity that allows us to move forward as one community.”
Thus, declared Mayor Benjamin Magalong in his message during the official launching, Feb. 9, of the Spring Festival in Baguio, Chinese Lunar New Year 2026, at the City Hall grounds.
He said the annual celebration is a tradition that has become part of the Summer Capital’s cultural identity and is a “living proof” of the enduring partnership between the Filipino – Chinese community, the city government of Baguio and its local constituents.
“It is also a beautiful expression of our unity, heritage and collective aspirations,” the mayor added.
For many years, he pointed out, the Filipino – Chinese community has been an invaluable partner in the growth and development of the city.
“From business and education to culture and civic service, their contributions have helped build Baguio into the vibrant, diverse and robust community that we are proud of today. The Spring Festival reminds us that progress is strongest when it is built on cooperation and mutual respect,” the mayor said.
He said that Filipino – Chinese traditions carry values that resonate with everyone like hard work, harmony, generosity and hope for a better tomorrow.
“These are the same values that guide us as we work together for a more inclusive and progressive Baguio. May this festival inspire renewed optimism and stronger bonds among our people,” the mayor stressed.
SPRING FEST TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING, COOPERATION BETWEEN FIL-CHINESE COMMUNITIES
“Let us welcome the year of the Fire Horse with much energy, enthusiasm and confidence. This celebration is not only for the Chinoy, but in fact, for the whole community of Baguio.”
Local Filipino – Chinese community leader Peter Ng stressed as he formally declared the launching of the Baguio Spring Festival Celebration 2026 during flag-raising rites at the City Hall grounds, Feb. 9.
“The goal and objective of the festival is to promote better understanding and cooperation between the Filipino and Chinese communities in order to strengthen our historical friendship and unity,” he explained.
Ng said the city government of Baguio and the local Filipino – Chinese community have continuously partnered together for 28 years.
He thanked city government officials for their continued support and for making the event one of the Summer Capital’s major community activities.
“As we have emphasized in every Spring Festival, we greatly value relationships and the celebration of this grand event foster a closer and stronger bond between the Filipino and Chinese communities. It also highlights the Spring Festival’s tenets of renewing our commitment to camaraderie and cooperation,” Ng said.
He added that the assimilation and blending of these two unique cultures through the celebration “will definitely promote unity, peace and prosperity for all of us.”
“Let us all join hands and bring cheers to the people of Baguio and welcome the year of the Fire Horse with much energy, enthusiasm and confidence,” Ng added. # Gaby B. Keith
