Third Saleng Festival calendar of activities presented
Mayor Benjamin Magalong recently approved Executive Order 61, series of 2023, granting the conduct of the 2023 Saleng Festival and setting guidelines for the calendar of activities.
Designated as event organizer and lead department, the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) executes the scheduled activities, coordinates and collaborates with other city offices, barangays, private and business sectors, non-government organizations, the academe and other concerned offices.
As stated in the EO, all public and private agencies extend cordialities for the success of the four-month festival, and that the local government take appropriate action to encourage residents to take part in environmental events, including tree planting and nurturing in the months of June, July, August and September, which are considered as “Tree Planting Months.”
All global, national and local events that deal with environmental protection, conservation and rehabilitation should also be supported and observed by the local government.
In partnership with the city mayor’s office and association of barangay councils, the CEPMO shall monitor and evaluate the activities for enhancement in future celebrations of the Saleng Festival.
This year’s theme is “Saleng Festival: Amplifying Voices for Environmental Advocacy,” which encourages people to advocate, commit to protect Baguio’s natural beauty while promoting sustainable living.
Among Saleng Festival’s celebratory activities are:
• Community PanTREE. Free tree saplings shall be given to members of the community to plant and nurture in their respective areas. Community members may choose from a variety of tree species which may be ornamental or fruit-bearing trees; for beautification of their surroundings while helping mitigate climate change.
• Breathe Easy with Saleng: Free Emission Testing at the Festival. Trained technicians conduct emission tests in major routes, for the convenience of car-owners, with results given and advice on how to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
• Green Runway: Second Life Collection. This is a sustainable fashion show celebrating the beauty and creativity of upcycling, a collection from local and international brands committed to sustainability and ethical fashion. Discarded materials are used, which show how they can be transformed into stunning pieces.
• Wet and wild Adventure race. A three-day activity for adventure-seekers which includes biking, paddle boat racing, mystery solving, cave hunting, horseback riding, treasure hunting, wall climbing, and a food challenge. The event challenges participants to complete the activities within a limited time frame from venues: lion’s head, Burnham Park, the Diplomat Hotel, Botanical Garden, Wright Park, Mines View Park, The Manor Hotel and city hall. Teams of four compete tests of physical and mental skills, endurance and teamwork.
Other activities are a choir competition for environmental conservation, with the theme “Rhythm and Harmony: A Choral Celebration for Environmental Conservation;” Eco-consciousness and Technology: Exploring Sustainable Living in the Digital Era; Green business expo; HIRAYA: Celebrating Beauty and Promoting Environmental Action; Rolling Forests: Saleng Tree Cart Parade; a real estate and builders exhibit; and Green Rhythms: Ultimate Battle of the bands.
The exact dates and other details shall be announced at a later date.
The annual celebration of the Saleng Festival was institutionalized through City Ordinance 02, series of 2022. – JGFianza
