MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City launched the 2024 edition of its famed “Panagbenga” yesterday morning – six days before Christmas and weeks ahead of the month-long Flower Festival in February.
Panagbenga (a local term for season of blooming) is themed “Celebrating traditions, embracing innovation” for 2024 and is seen to draw more local and foreign tourists.
“It is not just a festival but a pride of Baguio where diverse cultures of the people come together to showcase the beauty of the City of Pines,” said Frederico Alquiros, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. president.
“Panagbenga” was conceptualized in 1995 by lawyer Damaso Bangaoet and implemented by then mayor Mauricio Domogan to symbolize the city’s rise from the rubble and devastation of the 1990 earthquake that left over 2,000 people dead.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong promised to provide “all the support needed from the local government” even if the flower festival is a private sector-led endeavor.
Magalong said the high number of tourists expected to visit the city for the flower festival would also be a boon for the neighboring communities in La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan and Tuba towns.