Baguio City launches Panagbenga 2010

Baguio City (28 November) -- The City Government of Baguio, in partnership with the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), launched the schedule of activities for the Panagbenga 2010 in a simple program Monday morning.

Panagbenga 2010, the 15th staging of the Baguio Flower Festival, adopts the theme: "Celebrating 15 years of Festival Excellence."

In his message, Baguio Congressman Mauricio Domogan stressed that the "Panagbenga" should be included in the annals of the city's centennial history.

According to Domogan, the whole of Baguio should be enjoined in celebrating such tourism activity as it is an opportunity for all, regardless of color, tribal group or religion, to work together in promoting the city and Cordillera's cultural identity. This is not only to sustain the city's tourism industry, but also for the visitors and our own happiness as well, he said.

"It is also gives us the time to thank the Lord for giving us a beautiful environment, with all the trees and flowers. It is also a time to remind us of our own obligation to maintain and preserve such environment, so as to avoid the serious consequences of climate change," Domogan added.

Confetti rained and balloons were released as Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr proclaimed the declaration of the Opening of the Panagbenga 2010. This was done simultaneous with the unveiling of the 15th Flower Festival banner, by the festival's co-chairmen, Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony De Leon and Camp John Hay Chief Operations Officer Freddie Alquiroz. The University of Cordillera also gave a performance as the Philippine Military Academy Band played the Panagbenga Hymn.

In a press conference, Alquiroz, assured the public of a grander staging of Panagbenga, that would equal if not surpass the Panagbenga 2009. He also highlighted the media's important role on promoting the festival, so as the city's tourism industry, could have a faster turnaround from the adverse effect of the recent disasters that hit the region.

"Through the media's help, we can push forward the message that Baguio is here, up and about and never went out of business," Alquiroz said.

De Leon bared that there will be new activities for the Panagbenga 2010, which will run from February 1 to March 7. Among these are new musical concert on the lake titled "Camelot," during the staging of the Fluvial Parade at the Burnham Park Lake on February 14, and the staging of a "Mardi Gras," at the Harrison road, in time with the Session Road in Bloom on March 1-7.

Other regular scheduled activities for the flower festival include Market Encounter at the Burnham Park (Feb. 1 – March 7), Legarda Rocks (February 12-14), Abanao Nights (Feb 26-28), Pony Boys Day (March 6), plus the usual highlights of the Panagbenga: a Grand Street parade on February 27 and a Grand Float Parade on February 28. The Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration (Feb.13) and the PMA Homecoming (Feb. 20 – 22), are also entwined with the Pangabenga 2010.

Meantime, Department of Tourism (DOT-CAR) Regional Director Pura Molintas also stressed the importance of sustaining the Panagbenga, which is a major tourist festival that has already gained an international stature. She said this is a major economic activity that plays a major role not only in boosting the city and the region's tourism but also the country's development as well. (PIA)