Mayor says ‘Panagbenga 2023’ to go full blast
Mayor Benjamin Magalong declared that next year’s staging of ‘Panagbenga 2023’ with the theme, ‘A Renaissance of Wonder and Beauty’, will “proceed as planned” as he described it as a ‘reset button’ of sorts after a two-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
“We will proceed as planned with the celebration and there will be no holds barred and let-up. I see no hindrances so far kaya full blast at go na tayo,” the Mayor stressed at the formal launching of the Baguio Flower Festival’s latest edition, Dec. 12, during flag raising rites at City Hall, highlighted by the unveiling of its calendar of activities.
The launching was joined by Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) officers led by its chairman, former Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Department of Tourism-Cordillera Dir. Jovy Ganongan, and other officials and guests.
Magalong expressed excitement for the return of the world-famous extravaganza but also admitted ‘feeling a bit of anxiety’ due to the expected increase in Covid-19 cases caused by its variants and even influenza cases.
“We must all learn to live with the Covid and other viruses. However, it is still better for everyone to be conscious in observing health protocols,” the Mayor stressed as he encouraged the public to keep wearing masks indoors and even outdoors in crowded situations.
He revealed that the city government continues to formulate its own contingency plans to ensure the safety of residents and visitors especially during huge celebrations like the Panagbenga and figure out measures to minimize the ‘irritability factor’ of people caught in traffic jams caused by these activities.
The Mayor is hoping that the city’s SMART mobility system will be implemented soon to address the Summer Capital’s traffic woes and decrease carbon emissions from vehicles to protect the environment.
Among the plethora of activities included in the much-awaited Panagbenga 2023 include the Grand Opening Parade on Feb. 1; Grand Street Dance and Float Parades on Feb. 25 and 26, respectively; Session Road in Bloom, Feb. 27 to March 5; Awarding and closing ceremonies and Grand Aerial Fireworks Display on March 5. – Gaby B. Keith
