BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) has acknowledged that several barefoot performers suffered burns on their feet due to the hot artificial turf at the Melvin Jones Football Ground during the grand street dancing showdown on Feb. 28.

The BFFFI said there was no malicious intent in the installation of artificial turf as in previous years, participants in the grand street parade were at the Melvin Jones Football field under dust, rocks, and hot sand.

The intention was to improve the performance area, however, the result caused damage and fell short of the care, discretion, and cultural sensitivity required of us as organizers, the BFFFI said.

"To our performers, schools, families, and the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras, we acknowledge the serious concerns raised regarding the artificial turf used at Melvin Jones during the grand street dance parade. To the students, teachers, trainers, and contingents who experienced pain, injury, and distress, I apologize for this error in judgment and take full responsibility," said Anthony R. de Leon, executive committee chairperson, BFFFI.

"We are now coordinating with affected schools and contingent leaders to document incidents and extend the necessary and appropriate assistance; conducting an immediate review of the decision, safety assessment, and implementation; committing to stakeholder consultations, with schools, cultural practitioners, and concerned sectors before any similar measures are adopted in future festivals."

“Our committee for the street dance parade and the performers are not at fault. The responsibility to ensure a safe and culturally respectful performance environment rests with me. Panagbenga belongs to the people. We hear your concerns, we accept accountability, and we will act accordingly. I thank you for your patience and understanding. We will update the local government and our local media on our courses of action,” De Leon said.