Thirty-six contingents and 30 floats are expected to participate in the Panagbenga grand street dancing and grand float parades set March 28 and 29, respectively.
Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) chief of staff Evangeline Payno said the 36 contingents for the grand street dancing parade will be composed of eight elementary schools, six secondary schools, eight competitors in the open category, and 14 entries to the cultural performances.
Payno said the elementary contingents are automatically qualified for the grand street dancing parade.
The grand street dancing and grand float parades are two of the traditional events and major highlights of the annual Panagbenga where participants demonstrate the rich culture of Cordillerans.
BFFFI Executive Committee Co-chairperson and Baguio Country Club General Manager Anthony R. de Leon said the Panagbenga Flower Tee golf tournament was moved to Feb. 22 at the Baguio Country Club fairway while the judging of the school-based landscaping competition is set March 4 to 6.
De Leon said the decision to re-schedule the events was a result of coordination among health authorities, local officials, and the BFFFI amidst the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilyang Baguio, the Panagbenga Open Kite Flaying Contest, Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom, the Panagbenga Cultural Show of the academe, and the initial fireworks display will be held simultaneously March 15.
He added the opening parade will be on March 21 while the Panagbenga Cultural dance competition of the different tribes will be on March 22.
The week-long Session road in Bloom that was originally scheduled on March 2 to 8 was reset to March 30 to April 5.
The traditional Sponsors Day will be March 28 and 29 at the Baguio Athletic Bowl and the Melvin Jones grandstand while the Pony Boys Day will be held on April 4 at the Wright Park.
The flower festival closing ceremonies will be on April 5 at the Baguio Athletic Bowl. – PIO release
April 25, 2024
