■ Jane B. Cadalig
Baguio residents will have the chance to choose what should be adopted as the city’s official flower.
The city council will set a public consultation aimed at getting the input of Baguio residents regarding a proposal that seeks to make everlasting the city’s official flower.
Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, proponent of the ordinance that sought to adopt everlasting as Baguio’s official flower, said there was a need to involve the residents and ask first what their choices are.
She made the manifestation during the council session where the committee on tourism chaired by Councilor Lilia Fariñas recommended that the proposal be approved on second reading after publication.
Tabanda said some people approached her to say that instead of everlasting, sunflower should be adopted as Baguio’s official flora.
“Let us subject this to a public consultation first so that we will get the views of residents and make them choose what flower they want,” she said.
In the proposed ordinance, Baguio and its people who stand strong, intertwined by common aspirations, and embody the unique charm of Baguio, can be likened to the garland of everlasting.
Also known as paper daisies, the everlasting flower’s ability to last long and remain colorful and retain its shape even if it’s already dried, makes it stand out among other flowers.
The ordinance stated the flower’s endurance and longevity symbolize the strength and resilience of the city and its people who demonstrate these traits amidst the challenges facing the city.
The proposed ordinance aimed to strengthen a 1991 city resolution that adopted everlasting as Baguio’s official flower.
Everlasting was once a staple at every end of the school year as the flowers were usually given as leis to graduates.
Like the everlasting, the sunflower that usually adorns the mountainsides along the roads to the city has also been an iconic symbol of Baguio.
The sunflower is often associated with positivity, joy, warmth, optimism, and loyalty, which is traced to its nature of always facing the sun.
Its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions is also regarded as a symbol of resilience.
Sunflowers are also a staple during the Panagbenga Festival, usually used to adorn the costumes of performers during the street dancing or as a symbol of the season of blossoming from which the festival derived its name.
Both the everlasting and sunflower are also among the flowers used to decorate the floral floats during the Panagbenga’s grand float parade. – Jane B. Cadalig