Baguio city: The Panagbenga Festival, also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, marks its 30th anniversary this year, continuing to inspire and unite the residents of Baguio City amidst various challenges. The festival has become a symbol of the city's enduring spirit and thriving tourism industry.

According to Philippine News Agency, Panagbenga was initially conceived 30 years ago as a response to the devastation Baguio City faced following the 1990 earthquake, which claimed the lives of at least 1,600 individuals. The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. chair and Lone District Representative, Mauricio Domogan, emphasized that the festival emerged from a collective desire for renewal and a brighter future. During the launch event for the 2026 Panagbenga at the city hall grounds, he reflected on how the community chose hope over despair in the aftermath of tragedy.

Domogan, who was the mayor of Baguio at the time of the earthquake, highlighted the vision that drove the creation of Panagbenga. He noted that the festival's founders believed in Baguio's inherent strength, not only derived from its natural beauty and climate but also from the unity and courage of its people.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed that the Panagbenga Festival serves as a platform for the city and its residents to showcase their resilience and the city's beauty. He remarked that the 30th Panagbenga stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit that continues to thrive despite challenges.

The 2026 edition of the Panagbenga Festival is set to commence on February 1. Among the traditional highlights of the month-long celebration are the street dance and float parades, scheduled for February 28 and March 1, respectively.