Baguio City, its Flower Festival Foundation Inc., the city government, and the police are prepared for the upcoming street dance and flower float parade scheduled for February 24 to 25 as part of the 28th Panagbenga Festival.
During the Kapihan sa Baguio media conference on February 21, BFFFI Executive Chairman Anthony de Leon expressed excitement about the festival, highlighting the hard work and collaboration across various sectors that made the event possible. He announced increased participation in the float parade compared to previous years, with 34 floats set to participate in various categories.
The float parade, a highly anticipated spectacle, will feature a diverse array of flowers and celebrities on each float. De Leon encouraged spectators to look forward to this visually stunning display.
For the street dancing parade on Saturday, there are six participants in the elementary drum and lyre category, along with cultural groups and seven participants in the festival dance category, including groups from Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, and Kalinga.
As the festivities draw crowds, spectators are expected on Session and Harrison Roads as early as 5 a.m. To ensure a safe and smooth event, the Baguio City Police Office, with 1,753 personnel including police, volunteers, and medical teams, will be deployed along the parade route beginning at midnight.
Police Lt. Col. Zacarias Dausen, chief of the Baguio City Police Office-Traffic Enforcement Unit, advised against bringing vehicles to the Central Business District due to expected heavy traffic. Spectators were reminded by the BCPO to avoid wearing jewelry, secure valuables, carry water, and attend to the safety of their children during the events.
Following the parade, Session Road in Bloom is scheduled from February 26 to March 3, with the closing ceremony featuring the Philippine Military Academy silent drill and fireworks display on March 3.
