BAGUIO CITY — Local officials and organizers officially launched the schedule for the 2026 Baguio Flower Festival on Monday, marking the 30th anniversary of the event known as Panagbenga.

The festival, themed “Blooming Without End,” will officially open 1 February with an opening parade. The celebration’s hallmark events — the Grand Street Dancing Parade and the Grand Float Parade — are scheduled for 28 February and 1 March, respectively.

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said during the launch at City Hall that the festival’s three-decade milestone represents a successful partnership among the community, the local government, and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc.

“Panagbenga has served its purpose to uphold our culture and, at the same time, provide livelihood,” Olowan said. He added that the success of the event depends on public safety, crowd management, and environmental stewardship.

The festival was established in 1996 as a way to revitalize the city’s economy following the devastating 1990 Luzon earthquake.

Representative Mauricio Domogan, the foundation’s “chairman for life,” reminded residents not to lose sight of the festival’s humble beginnings as it has grown into a world-class attraction.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong invited tourists to the city but issued a stern warning regarding “shady transactions” and online accommodation scams. He urged visitors to use “common sense” and verify all reservations through legitimate channels.

“The money of the victims of accommodation scams is already 99 percent unrecoverable,” Magalong warned, citing that most scams occur through fraudulent online offers that leave tourists with nowhere to stay upon arrival.

Jovy Ganongan, Department of Tourism Cordillera regional director, encouraged travelers to practice responsible tourism by booking only with DoT-accredited establishments. Accreditation ensures that businesses have met the necessary legal requirements and safety standards.