In line with its standard operating procedure of ensuring a safe and successful conduct of high-density gatherings in the region, the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) held a virtual pre-disaster risk assessment and coordination meeting on Jan. 16 for the Panagbenga 2024.
The council looked into the weather systems that may affect the festival, as well as into the preparations of the city government and its partners, in terms of ensuring a safe and successful staging of this year’s Panagbenga.
“Our response framework for local festivals will be the same as local government unit-led. We, at the RDRRMC, will serve as support as we enable the host LGU to facilitate incident command system-based and operational safety, preparedness, and response readiness measures, all of which are in consideration to public safety,” Mogol said.
In the meeting, the Baguio DRRM Council gave updates about the city’s preparation plan while the Baguio City Police Office gave a briefing on the traffic and peace and order preparations.
The Philippine Military Academy also gave an update on the alumni homecoming, which is included in the Panagbenga lineup of activities.
Larry Esperanza of Pagasa-Baguio reported a dry and cold weather for Panagbenga, with the forecast minimum temperature going down to as low as 9 degrees Celsius.
The Panagbenga will have its grand opening parade and program on Feb. 3 and the crowd-drawing highlights, the grand street dancing and grand float parades, will be on Feb. 24 and 25, respectively. – Carlito C. Dar
