Baguio: The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) announced that preparations for the twin grand parades-street dancing and float parades-scheduled on February 28 and March 1 for the Panagbenga Festival are complete. "We have everything in place, coordination with different groups and offices have been done, including the peace and order and security sector of the parades," said Evangeline Payno, chief of staff of the BFFFI, during a press conference.
According to Philippines News Agency, the organizers are awaiting final confirmation from one contingent regarding their participation in the parades. A total of 22 contingents are set for the street dancing parade, while 30 floats have been confirmed, 11 of which fall under the large float category. Payno expressed gratitude to the volunteers and all those contributing to the festival's success in its 30th year. The event will feature not only Baguio-based street dancers and performers but also contingents from various regions, including Ifugao, San Jose (Nueva Ecija), Malasiqui (Pangasinan), Sto. Domingo (Ilocos Sur), Balaoan (La Union), Pugo (La Union), and Jones (Isabela), in addition to delegates from Benguet province.
Col. Ruel Tagel, director of the Baguio City Police Office, stated that 2,357 police personnel and volunteers will be deployed for the two main events of the month-long festival. "Most are police personnel. They will take charge of the crowd control, traffic, and the advance command post," Tagel said. He mentioned that arrangements have been made with some public schools to use their compounds as pay parking areas, thus preventing the public from parking on the roadsides. Tagel urged everyone to adhere to rules and regulations to ensure safety and convenience during the festival.
In response to the festival's needs, the initial deployment of 1,500 police officers will be doubled to cover additional areas where related activities are planned. This year, the BFFFI has introduced a special feature presentation with five chapters highlighting significant events in the city. "These era presentations will showcase the community participation that made the Panagbenga happen and continue until now," said Anthony de Leon, chairperson of the BFFFI executive committee.
