Baguio Flower Festival launched

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY - The 2014 Baguio Flower Festival was launched here Monday during the flag raising ceremonies at Baguio City Hall grounds with the theme, “Inspiring The Community For A Greener Tomorrow.”

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said preparations are now full-blast for next year’s Panagbenga festival. 

Cordillera opening rituals start early morning of February 1, 2014 at the Panagbengapark with the participation of various entities, the mayor said. The opening parade follows with school-age children elimination for streetdancing and drum and lyre groups. 

Traditional activities go on: landscaping contests, the Market Encounter, sports competitions, the pony boys day, the grand streetdancing and float parades; while innovative ones are expected to be scheduled later.

There should be more flowers in the activities, the mayor said, “and we should have improved as the years went by.”    

The mayor also expressed support for the ongoing Benguet Adivay Festival in La Trinidad.

The number coding scheme for private vehicles was suspended Nov. 11, Monday to Nov. 13 following administrative order issued by Domogan.

This is to “provide our local residents and visitors, particularly the organizers, sponsors and participants (of 21st National Convention of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines) from the different parts of the country and their families convenient and stress-free journey around the city to help boost the city’s identity as the prime tourist destination in the country,” the AO read.

Baguio hosted the 21st national convention of the Vice-Mayors’ League of the Philippines on Nov. 11-13, which coincided with the 25th founding anniversary of the organization.