BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. has banned candidates from campaigning during the grand celebration of the 29th Panagbenga Festival from Feb. 22 to 23.
“This is not political activities, this is festivities for the people, hopefully the political candidates will respect it, to avoid politicking during the celebration, especially national candidates,” said Anthony de Leon, BFFFI Executive Committee during the Kapihan Media Forum.
De Leon said this will also avoid distracting spectators and causing chaos during the parade.
“If there is a candidate riding as an endorser on the float, it is okay, but it is still prohibited to distribute pamphlets to spectators and hang their campaign materials on the float.”
City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña said reelectionist city councilors are also banned from campaigning during the parade. “They can join the parade as city government officials, but they are not allowed to approach the spectators.”
“This is the time for Baguio to bloom and it’s blossoming beyond its boundaries and this festival is for all of us. The BFFFI and the city government want tourism in our city to be fun, safe and to be strengthened,” said Evangeline Payno, Panagbenga chief of staff.