BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), together with the city government launched the 29th year of the staging of the Flower Festival famously known as “Panagbenga” just right after the regular flag rites yesterday at the City Hall grounds here.

According to BFFFI president Frederico Alquiroz, the theme of this year’s event is “Blossom Beyond Boundaries.” He explained that it embodies creativity, passion and unity that defines the community of this city. He added such traits inspires the people to aim higher, dream bigger and achieve together.

Alquiroz said one of the upgrades in the holding of “Panagbenga” is the raising of stakes and increasing the prices for the participants of the medium and large float category to the “Panagbenga Grand Float Parade” while continuing the all-out support to the participants of the small float category. 

He also disclosed that they are bringing back the college category to the “Grand Street Dancing” in addition to the Elementary Drum and Lyre Competition, High School Category, Open Category and Cultural Category. This, he said, is part of the infusion of greater vibrance and more talents to the festival.

City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that “Panagbenga” continues to evolve where it is worth to bring its legacy of transparency and planning where the community is involved further. He then encouraged the people to give suggestions or solutions to challenges and setbacks as the festival goes on.