The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. has issued a formal apology after several student performers suffered foot burns during the Panagbenga Grand Street Dance Parade at the Melvin Jones Football Grounds on 28 February 2026.

The injuries were attributed to newly installed artificial turf that absorbed and retained extreme heat under direct sunlight. The synthetic surface replaced the traditional dust-and-rock ground in an effort to improve the venue but instead caused harm to performers dancing barefoot or wearing thin footwear.

BFFFI Executive Committee chairperson Anthony R. De Leon acknowledged the incident and accepted responsibility.

“As Executive Chairperson, I take full responsibility for this incident,” he said in a statement issued 2 March 2026.

De Leon admitted that the decision to use the synthetic turf was an error in judgment. He clarified that neither the student performers nor the parade committee were at fault, stressing that ensuring a safe environment was the responsibility of the organizers.

The foundation is now coordinating with schools and contingent leaders to document the injuries and extend assistance to affected participants.

An immediate review of the safety assessment and implementation process is underway. Organizers also committed to consulting schools and cultural practitioners before introducing similar changes to performance grounds in the future.

BFFFI leadership said the goal remains to provide a respectful and safe environment for the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras, adding that updates on corrective actions will be provided to the local government and the media.