No politicking allowed duringPanagbenga fest

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – No political campaigning activities shall be allowed during the celebration of Panagbenga 2013, especially during the grand street dancing parade on Feb. 23.

This was the pronouncement of Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFI), executive committee chairman Mayor Mauricito Domogan during the Panagbenga press conference at the Baguio Country Club last week.

This was in accordance with the Panagbenga policy where only competing contingents from the schools and other accredited groups are allowed to join the parade; as with the presently serving Congressman, Mayor, Vice-Mayor, Councilors, Barangay Captains and Chairmen.

With national and local elections this coming May, the BFFI is guarding against politicians using the festival on its 18th staging with the theme: “A Blooming Odyssey,” for campaigning.

No political personalities may join the grand street dancing parade; the policy further states.

Political personalities not covered by the exceptions shall be politely removed from the parade by members of the peace and order committee, it was also reiterated during the Panagbenga press conference.

Distribution of promotional materials such as leaflets, t-shirts candies and other materials, and display of tarpaulins shall not be allowed during the parade; and violation of a contingent would automatically deem disallowance from the parade, and disqualification from the competition.

Personalities within the audience breaking the lines to shake hands shall also be firmly warned and possibly removed from the parade, as of the prohibition policy.

The Panagbenga logo may not be used without BFFI approval and violation would deem the filing of appropriate charges against the user.

This was also part of the policies and guidelines as approved by the BFFI, it was known.

Interested parties wanting to use the Panagbenga logo should submit a letter of intent to the foundation through the executive committee stating the purpose and all details; not later than 30 days before the date of intended use. All other pertinent documents should also be attached to the application, and upon approval, the use is non-transferable to other entities.

The logo should not be altered by the user without the written approval of the foundation. A royalty fee of P5,000 for approved application of logo use should be paid not later than 30 days before the use of the logo.