Only traditional events allowed in flower fest

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY- Only the Baguio Blooms and Session road in Bloom, both traditional activities of the Baguio Flower Festival are allowed for the 24th staging of Panagbenga this February.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan made the pronouncement during the weekly media Ugnayan, in response to a query if other trade fairs are allowed during Baguio’s flower-inspired festival.

A coordination meeting for Panagbenga activities is set this week, the mayor said, for further discussion on trade fair provisions.

The Baguio Blooms, formerly Market Encounter goes on from Feb. 1 to March 10 along Juan Luna drive, while the Session road in Bloom is on Mar. 4 to 10. Both trade fairs offer flower-inspired products, ornamental plants, landscape and garden displays.

Last year, the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) was assigned a booth along Juan Luna Drive extension while the Philippine Councilors’ League (PCL) had a booth in lower Session road.

Meanwhile, the mayor said tighter security measures are in place for the thousands of expected visitors in the city. Personnel from the Police Regional Office (PRO-CAR), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) work together for peace and security, including volunteers for added manpower, Domogan further said.

This early, the mayor admonished candidate-officials/leaders with plans to join the streetdancing parade on March 2, to abide by rules handed down by the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. There should be no breaking of lines to socialize or campaign with the public, no throwing/handing out of leaflets or other goodies, and there should be no campaign materials displayed along parade routes.