By Gabriela Baron
After a three-year hiatus, Baguio City kicked off on Feb. 1, celebrations of the Baguio Festival or Panagbenga 2023.
“Let today mark the promising beginning of a Panagbenga Festival back on its feet, a people fully risen, a city moving on in a post-pandemic world,” Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong said.
“This is Panagbenga 2023 in all its full magnificence: innovative, integrating, elevating the very best that Baguio is today,” Magalong added.
Meanwhile, Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) Chief of Staff Evangeline Payno assured that all systems go for the conduct of the Panagbenga Festival.
Month-long cultural performances, traditional market encounters, and a landscaping competition are expected to delight locals and tourists alike in the city.
Payno said traditional and community-led events are also lined up to entice residents and tourists.
The 27th edition of the Panagbenga Festival will run until March 5.
Last year, at least 40,000 tourists were in the city for the festival despite the cancellation of crowd-drawing events. -ag
