The Panagbenga Festival (Baguio Flower Festival), now on its 30th year, continues to inspire residents here despite challenges, showcasing the city’s resilience and flourishing tourism.
“Panagbenga started 30 years ago when Baguio City yearned for renewal not only of its physical structures but also of the spirit of its people and their faith in brighter days ahead,” Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. chair and Lone District Rep. Mauricio Domogan said during the launch of the 2026 Panagbenga at the city hall grounds on Monday.
He said that from the devastation of the 1990 earthquake, with at least 1,600 killed, the people of Baguio chose hope over despair.
“From broken grounds emerged a vision that even after the darkest hours, life would bloom again,” Domogan, the mayor at the time, said.
He said visionaries created Panagbenga, believing Baguio’s strength lies not just on its mountains, pine trees and cool climate, but also in the unity, and courage of its people.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the Panagbenga offers another opportunity for the city and its people to come together and show the city’s beauty.
“May this 30th Panagbenga be a proof that despite the uncertainties and challenges we face, there is always a spirit that continues to bloom without end,” the mayor said.
The 2026 Panagbenga officially starts on Feb. 1. The traditional highlights of the month-long celebration are the street dance and the float parades scheduled on Feb. 28 and March 1, respectively. (PNA)
