BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. announced on Wednesday, Feb. 26, the winners of the grand flower float parade of the 29th Panagbenga Festival over the weekend.
POPULAR fast food chain Jollibee topped the large category of the 29th Panagbenga Festival grand flower float parade in Baguio City on Feb. 23. (Zaldy Comanda)
The Jollibee Foods Corp. float won in the large category, Mang Inasal in the medium, and Zaparita's Gardens in the small category. Last year, Jollibee was second in the large category.
Mcdonald's was second and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority was third in the large category. TIEZA was also third in the same category in 2024.
Mang Inasal was first in the medium category, Zaparita's Garden, second, and Chowking third.
Mang Inasal’s float dubbed "Love the Flavors, Love the Philippines" featuring the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces – a living testament to the ingenuity of the Filipinos – pays tribute to tourism and enchanting Butterfly Sanctuary of Baguio that symbolizes renewal and vibrant tourism.
Zaparita’s Garden topped the small category. Wood Rock and Flowers Group was second and Wilcon Depot was third.
The BFFFI increased cash prizes for this year’s winners. The P500,000 for the large float was increased to P700,000. Winners in the medium and small float categories also had additional prizes.
The awarding ceremony for all winners of the Panagbenga Festival contests will be held during the closing ceremony on March 2 featuring a Philippine Military Academy silent drill and grand fireworks display.
Meanwhile, an estimated 200,000 people watched and no crimes were recorded during the street dancing and flower float parade on Feb. 22 and 23.
Baguio City Police Office chief Police Col. Ruel Tagel said said about 60,000 watched the street dancing parade and 140,000 saw the flower float parade.
“The proper implementation of careful planning, strategic coordination, and cooperation of many sectors, we have maintained zero crime incidents during the Panagbenga celebration. Although it will end in March 2, our police force will continue to provide security,” Tagel said.
Tagel said the BCPO collaborated with the BFFFI, local government agencies, and key stakeholders to develop comprehensive security and traffic management plans.
Extensive public information efforts were conducted to ensure that safety reminders, road warnings, and other important announcements reach a wide audience through various platforms.
He said the visible police presence further enhanced by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera led by Police Brig. Gen. David Peredo Jr. who personally supervised security was effective in deterring miscreants and maintaining a safe environment.
The BCPO said the success of these events was made possible by the cooperation of the public whose vigilance and adherence to security measures greatly contributed to the safety of all.
"The peaceful and orderly celebration of Panagbenga is a testament to our collective efforts in keeping Baguio safe. Many thanks to those who participated and always remember that BCPO is with you for a safe and comfortable journey to Baguio City," Tagel said.
The theme of this year’s Panagbenga is “Blossoms Beyond