Baguio City officially launched the Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival 2026 following the flag-raising ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds on 12 January 2026.
The launch was led by the city government and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI), which unveiled the lineup of activities for the festival’s 30th edition.
This year’s Panagbenga carries the theme “Blooming without end.” Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan said the milestone edition highlights three decades of partnership among the local community, the BFFFI, and the city government.
Olowan said the festival has, through the years, showcased Baguio’s pride, culture, and identity, while also serving as a platform for livelihood. He stressed that Panagbenga allows local enterprises, artists, schools, and the youth to thrive and “bloom.”
“The real definition of success of the festival relies on the following,” Olowan said, as he enumerated key considerations such as public welfare, safety and order in all venues, smooth traffic and crowd movement, clean and protected public spaces, discipline in waste management, and environmental stewardship. He also cited the importance of clear public advisories throughout the celebration.
Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Panagbenga reflects Baguio’s continued growth, renewal, and progress despite challenges.
“Panagbenga” is a manifestation that the city of Baguio continues to grow, progress, renew and prosper no matter what the challenges would face, Magalong said, as he invited the public to experience the city’s culture during the festival.
The flower festival was first held in 1996, years after a devastating earthquake caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Baguio City and other parts of Northern Luzon. Conceived by Professor Damaso Bangaoet Jr., Panagbenga was created to help revive tourism and stimulate the local economy as the city rebuilt.
BFFFI “Chairman for Life” and Baguio City Congressman Mauricio Domogan said that as the festival continues to gain global recognition, the city should never lose sight of Panagbenga’s humble beginnings.
“Panagbenga” will officially open on 1 February 2026, with an opening parade. Major highlights include the Grand Street Dancing Parade on 28 February and the Grand Float Parade on 1 March 2026.