Baguio City– Just six days before Christmas, Baguio City marked the launch of the 2024 edition of the Panagbenga Flower Festival, a cherished event celebrating its 28th year. Known for its vibrant colors and rich cultural tapestry, Panagbenga, which means “Season of Blooming,” is more than just a festival; it’s a symbol of the city’s spirit and resilience.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Traditions, Embracing Innovation,” perfectly encapsulates the essence of Panagbenga. Frederico Alquiros, President of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), expressed high hopes for the festival, believing it will elevate Baguio’s tourism to unprecedented levels.
“It is not just a festival, but a pride of the City of Baguio where diverse cultures of the people come together to showcase the beauty of the City of Pines,” Alquiros said.
Alquiros spoke of the festival with pride, emphasizing how it beautifully showcases Baguio’s diverse cultures and the unity among its people. The festival is not just a display of flowers but a celebration of Baguio’s identity, weaving together the city’s floral and cultural heritage with a forward-looking vision.
The origin of Panagbenga dates back to 1995, created by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet of the JPDC. Born out of the ashes of the devastating 1990 earthquake, the festival symbolizes Baguio’s remarkable recovery and resilience.
Jovy Ganongan, the Tourism Director, shared her excitement for this year’s celebration, anticipating it to be a vibrant and engaging event. Meanwhile, Anthony de Leon, Chairman of the Executive Committee, highlighted the importance of organizing adaptable, tourism-friendly, and environmentally sustainable events.
Community involvement is key, according to de Leon, who encouraged greater participation from residents to ensure the festival’s success. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong also emphasized the festival’s inclusive nature, promising benefits and participation for neighboring towns. With an expected influx of about 1.8 million tourists, the city is gearing up for a spectacular celebration.
Here’s the schedule of events for Panagbenga 2024
Magalong described the Panagbenga Festival as primarily a private sector-led initiative, supported significantly by the government. The local government’s role is to provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth and successful event.
As the city blooms in a riot of colors and festivities, the Panagbenga Flower Festival stands as a testament to Baguio’s enduring charm, its ability to blend tradition with modernity, and its unwavering community spirit. The 2024 edition promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the beauty of nature and the resilience of the human spirit.
