(File Photo by Zaldy Comanda/Manila Bulletin)
BAGUIO CITY -- Four elementary drum and lyres bands and seven cultural groups will show their wares in performances signaling the grand opening of the much-awaited Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
Classes in public and private schools will be suspended on Wednesday to pave way for the grand opening of the annual festival that had been cancelled in the two years due to travel restrictions and lockdowns following the declaration of Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020.
With the theme ‘A Renaissance of Wonder and Beauty,’ the city government and Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI), will once again promote this historic festival to help boost the tourism industry and economy in the Summer Capital.
(File Photo by Zaldy Comanda/Manila Bulletin)
(File Photo by Zaldy Comanda/Manila Bulletin)
Traditionally, the grand opening of the Panagbenga Festival is dedicated to the elementary drum and lyre competition, but due to not being completely free from the pandemic, only four participated in the drum and lyre street dancing competition from the elementary division.
According to Vangie Payno, BFFFI chief of staff of parade events, the four schools are Baguio Central Elementary School, Dona Josefa Carino Elementary School, Lucban Elementary School and Tuba Central Elementary School.
"Most of the former elementary participants have already graduated and because of the pandemic, the school was no longer able to focus on building a replacement and it was only in November that the face to face Panagbenga celebration was decided, so they are already out of time to participate. But, it is certain that next year the former participants in the elementary division will be re-formed," said Payno.
Seven cultural performing groups have signified their intention to join the Philippine Military Academy Marching Band, Saint Louis College and High School Marching Band and other civic organizations in the parade.
She said the seven cultural performers are joining only for exhibition, except for the four elementary schools that will compete for the pigging champion.
Payno said that they have already circulated an invitation to various provinces and towns in the Cordillera, even in the lowland areas to participate in their festivals in the grand street dancing parade.
"Some have already confirmed and many want to participate, so the local government units are in close contact with the parents to ensure that each participant is physically fit. We hope that many will participate in the grand street dancing parade," Payno said.