BAGUIO CITY – Three well-known fast food chains won the large float category in the grand float parade of the 30th Panagbenga Festival on March 1 in Baguio City. During the Kapihan sa Panagbenga on March 4, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFI) announced the winners of the large, medium, and small categories. McDonald’s float was crowned grand champion with a prize of P1,000,000. It can be recalled that they also took second place last year. Jollibee, which was the champion last year, is second this year, with a prize of P400,000, while Chooks to Go is third, with a prize of P300,000. In the medium category, Chowking, which was third last year, is this year’s champion with a prize of P350,000, while Mang Inasal, which was the champion before, is second this year with a prize of P250,000 and Palawan Pawnshop is third with a prize of P150,000; Zaparitas Garden Parrot float won in the small category, with a prize of P100,000; Eureka Garden came in second with a prize of P50,000 and Zaparitas Garden came in third, with a prize of P30,000. According to the BFFFI, they have increased the prize money for the float this year, where the previous P700,000 for the large float will now be P1,000,000 and even the medium and small floats will have additional prizes. The award ceremony for all winners of the Panagbenga Festival competitions will be held during the closing ceremony on March 8 at the Melvin Jones Football ground, where there will also be raffles for those attending the program and the more than month-long celebration of the 30th Panagbenga Festival will end with a grand fireworks display.

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) has issued a statement regarding the widespread issue that several dance performers suffered burns on their feet due to the hot artificial turf laid at the Melvin Jones Football ground where the grand street dancing showdown performance was held on February 28. Despite the scorching sun, most of the participants were barefoot during the presentation, as their performance was a cultural part of their tradition of not wearing anything on their feet. In a statement, the BFFFI said there was no malicious intent in the installation of artificial turf, as in previous years, participants in the Grand Street Parade were at the Melvin Jones Football field under dust, rocks, and hot sand. The intention was to improve the performance area, however, the result caused damage and fell short of the care, discretion, and cultural sensitivity required of us as organizers. “To our performers, schools, families, and the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras, we acknowledge the serious concerns raised regarding the artificial turf used at Melvin Jones during the Grand Street Dance Parade. To the students, teachers, trainers, and contingents who experienced pain, injury, and distress, I apologize for this error in judgment and take full responsibility,” said Anthony R. De Leon* Executive Committee Chairperson Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. De Leon said, as Executive Committee Chairperson, he takes full responsibility for the incident. “We are now coordinating with affected schools and contingent leaders to document incidents and extend the necessary and appropriate assistance; conducting an immediate review of the decision, safety assessment, and implementation; committing to stakeholder consultations, with schools, cultural practitioners, and concerned sectors before any similar measures are adopted in future festivals.” Our Committee for the Street Dance Parade and the performers are not at fault. The responsibility to ensure a safe and culturally respectful performance environment rests with me. Panagbenga belongs to the people. We hear your concerns, we accept accountability, and we will act accordingly. I thank you for your patience and understanding. We will update the Local Government and our local media on our courses of action, BFFFI said.    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Tribu Siglat-Tinungbo Festival of Pugo, La Union won the Festival Dance category, while the Mabini Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps topped the Elementary Drum and Lyre category, after the showdown competition of the grand street dancing competition of the 30th Panagbenga Festival held at the Melvin Jones Football ground, Baguio City, on February 28. Apart from the performance of the Tribu Siglat, the audience was also impressed by the participation of a female short stature dancer who did not lag behind in her energetic performance in the street dancing parade and showdown competition. Their dance performance showcased the rich culture of the Bago Tribe through traditional dances such as Manmanok, Sadong, and Tadek, accompanied by gongs and bamboo instruments—elements that reflect their origins and beliefs. Aside from their colorful traditions, an important part of their lives is farming and fishing, known as Panagkammel. Their livelihood is based on agriculture—growing rice, vegetables, and other crops—as well as the abundant natural resources of their environment. Panagkammel is not only a livelihood but also a symbol of their hard work, cooperation, and deep connection with nature and they also maintain customs such as Tinungbo, cooking food inside bamboo, which shows their creativity and environmentalism. Tribu Siglat will receive a P200,000 cash prize as 1st place; Tribu Kanluran Jones, of Jones, Isabela, 2nd place, with a prize of P100,000 and Tribu Balitok a Pagey, of Malasiqui, Pangasinan, 3rd Place with a prize of P70,000. Mabini Elementary School Drum and Lyre Corps won 1st Place in the Elementary Drum and Lyre category, with a prize of P150,000; second place went to El Tribu d Lucban, of Lucan Elementary School with a prize of P100,000 and third place went to Tuba Central School, Tuba, Benguet with a prize of P70,000. Aside from the cash prizes received, the participants will be given P100,000 each as a subsidiary for their participation in the competition. (By Zaldy Comanda)  

BAGUIO CITY – A midget woman wowed the audience with her energetic performance during the grand street dancing competition of the grand celebration of the 30th Panagbenga Festival with the themed ‘Blooming Without End’ in Baguio City, on February 28. The said midget dancer is part of the Tribu Siglat- Tinungbo Festival continegt of Pugo, La Union, and showed their rich culture of the Bago Tribethrough traditional dances such as Manmanok, Sadong, and Tadek, accompanied by gongs and bamboo instruments—elements that reflect their origins and beliefs. Aside from their colorful traditions, an important part of their lifestyle is farming and fishing, known as Panagkammel. Their livelihood is based on agriculture—growing rice, vegetables, and other crops—as well as the abundant natural resources of their environment. Panagkammel is not only a livelihood but also a symbol of their hard work, cooperation, and deep connection with nature. They also maintain customs such as Tinungbo, cooking food inside a bamboo, which shows their creativity and environmentalism. The seven other participants in the Festival Dance are the Lamut Harvest Festival Dance of Ifugao, Pagibang Damara Festival of SanJose, Nueva Ecija, Tribu Balitok a Pagey of Malasique, Pangasinan, Tribu Bagtas, Alisto SDO of Santo Domingo, Ilocos Sur, Tribu Bannuar Ilocandia of Balaoan, La Union, Tribu Eulogiano-Baggak Festival of Bauang, La Union, and Tribu Kanluran Jones-PiniUsa Festival of Jones, Isabela. In addition, the six participants in the Elementary Drum and Lyre Streetdancing competition on February 1 will also be paraded on Saturday, to continue their remaining 70 percent performance, as only 30 percent was taken from their performance during the grand opening of the Panagbenga Festival. The participants include Tuba Central School Drum and Lyre Corps; Pugo Central School, El Tribu D’Lucban Elementary School. Baguio Central School, Lucban Elementary School, Puguis Elementary School and Mabini Elementary School. The participants will once again showcase their skills in the showdown competition as the finale at the Melvin Jones Football ground, Burnham Park, Baguio City.(By Zaldy Comanda)          

  BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) General Manager Mark Lapid, along with Mayor Benjamin Magalong, personally inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of Burnham Park in Baguio City, on the afternoon of February 26. The P400 million fund for the rehabilitation of Burnham Park is a testament to TIEZA’s commitment to Baguio City to modernize the main public park in the Summer Capital, which is expected to be completed by May 2026. Lapid, along with agency officials, inspected the ongoing dredging operation and rehabilitation of the lake as Phase 1 of the project with a P100 million budget, which is a priority work. Contractor Dungan Constructors & Trading Corp. explained and Moment Diagram Builders Joint Venture informed Lapid and Magalong that the excavation works are about 40 percent complete, while the slope protection measures—considered the most technically challenging—have reached about 70 percent complete. Lapid and Magalong expressed confidence and joy at seeing the smooth progress of the rehabilitation in relation to the right path in its implementation. Lapid said the agency remains committed to providing continued funding support to ensure the completion of the rehabilitation, which aims to preserve the park’s historical value while improving its facilities for residents and tourists. According to Magalong, “It is really time for us to have a modern park, especially Burnham, which is a center for tourism, once the lake is completed, the skating rink, Children’s Park and other parts of the park will follow, along with upgrading pedestrian pathways, restoring landscaped areas, improving drainage systems, and improving recreational facilities such as boating areas, promenades, and public facilities. “This could have been done long ago because there was already a P400 million fund allocated, but during the pandemic, we withdrew it because our government needed funds to purchase medicine. So now that we have recovered and have the funds, I told the Mayor to start the rehabilitation, even if it is by phase by phase,” Lapid explained. Magalong thanked TIEZA for fulfilling its promise to continue the rehabilitation of Burnham Park, to address the effects of aging infrastructure, environmental degradation, and increasing tourist activity. (By Rose Frejane A.Cruz)    

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines —  The City Government of Baguio has been approved as a beneficiary of the 2026 Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance (LGSF-FA) under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, with a total allocation of P56 million. Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced the development after receiving a letter from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. dated February 23, 2026 affirming the grant of the assistance intended to provide rice subsidies to qualified families. The P56 million allocation for the city is part of the almost P58-billion LGSF allocation for 2026 which aims to provide direct support to families and communities nationwide and will be downloaded straight to the local government unit in a direct and digitized manner to ensure faster implementation. President Marcos expressed confidence in the city’s leadership, emphasizing that the funds must be utilized transparently and in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws. “As a former Local Chief Executive myself, I entrust to you and to all our local governments the efficient, equitable, and effective delivery of social services and economic development programs so that this much-needed support is delivered and felt by every ordinary Filipino,” the President said. In response, the mayor thanked the President for the assistance and assured that the distribution of the assistance in the City will not be influenced by political interests. “Rest assured that there will be no ‘epal’ in the distribution to beneficiaries. The assistance will go directly to the people who truly need it,” the mayor said. “With the direct release of funds to LGUs, he said implementation will now be more transparent, efficient and equitable,” he added. Magalong noted that in the past, similar programs were reportedly controlled by influential members of Congress. He expressed appreciation that the program is “no longer politicized.” He also assured residents that proper guidelines will be followed to ensure fair identification of beneficiaries and accountable use of the funds. Further details on the implementation and distribution schedule are expected to be announced soon. According to the President, the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program LGSF-FA aims to provide 60 kilos of rice annually to over five million Filipino families nationwide. Under the program, each qualified family will receive 10 kilos of rice for six months every year. He said the P58-billion LGSF will also support other priority projects, including health facility upgrades, disaster preparedness initiatives, farm-to-market roads, electrification and water supply systems.(By Aileen P. Refuerzo)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Some 500 farm tourism industry stakeholders from all over the country will be participating in the 9th International Farm Tourism Conference to be held in the city on March 4-6, 2026 which seeks to aggressively promote the rapidly growing industry. The 3-day event is organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the city government as co-presenters working on the theme ‘Highland Harvest, Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism.’ ISST president and former tourism Secretary Mina Gabor said that the event seeks to highlight the growing farm tourism industry in various parts of the country and will bring to the fore the increasing investment and the development of upland farm-based attractions that will ensure their sustainability. She claimed that there are already around 800 farm tourism sites around the country but only 138 that have been accredited by the tourism department through the years. Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture, will be the keynote speaker of this prestigious farm tourism conference where he will be expounding on the upper chamber’s legislative agenda on food security. At the same time, the conference will feature an exhibit of agricultural produce, processed food, native crafts and finished products from the Cordillera to be led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona leading the activity. Gabor claimed that participants of the conference will also have a chance to immerse in the exotic cuisine, natural wonders, adventure attractions and well-preserved culture of the Cordillera. There will also be panel discussions that will focus on highland coffee innovations with Dr. Alejandro Mojica of the Philippine Coffee Board and the Manila Times columnist Noemi Lardizabal-Dado, and tradition to technology with La Trinidad Councilor Belmer Elis, Cordillera culture bearer and master weaver Cathy Ekid, and Cosmic farm president Rogel Marsan. Among the other topics programmed during the conference are the Six Pillars of Sustainable Farm Tourism by SVD Laudatu Si’ farm founder Fr. Samuel Agcaracar, Digitalization and Farm Tourism by Vulcain.ai founder Gregory Duffel, and Preserving Natural and Cultural Heritage with Narda’s handwoven Arts and Crafts Director Lucia Capuyan-Catanes. Scientific and technical inputs will also be discussed such as Sustainable Food System for Food Security by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Representative Lionel Henri Valentin Dabbadie, Brand Storytelling and Marketing Strategies by Approach Consultancy president Lorenzo Manalang and Adopting Agriculture to Climate Reality International Institute for Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) Country Director Emilita Monville Oro, and Building Resilient Communities in the Highlands by ASEAN Center for Biodiversity Adviser Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim. (Baguio PIO)

  BAGUIO CITY — Five individuals were honored by the Baguio Filipino-Chinese community for their outstanding contributions to the government and community in Baguio City. The awards were presented during the Dinner Reception Awards Night of the 28th annual Spring Festival 2026 celebration, in recognition of their dedication, service, and leadership that have strengthened community ties and uplifted lives. The honoring of the five individuals was historic as it was attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan himself at the Hotel Supreme Mall & Events Center, on February 18. According to Executive Committee Peter Ng, through public service, community work, business, and social development, the awardees have become strong partners of the Filipino-Chinese Community in Baguio, helping to shape a more inclusive, active, and compassionate city. With 35 years of public service under the Philippine Information Agency, Joseph B. Zambrano has dedicated his career to clear and responsible public communication. He also served as a former board member of the Philippine Red Cross Baguio, a member of the Regional Advisory Council of Police Cordillera, and is now the District 3 Director of Benguet Energy Corporation (BENECO). Throughout his government service, he helped the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community relay important information to the public, strengthening understanding and civic engagement. Arturo A. Flores in Community Service for being President of the Baguio Amateur Sports Improvement Council, has been a strong advocate for youth sports and grassroots development. His organization has encouraged young people to stay active, disciplined, and engaged through sports. Beyond this, he has been a reliable partner of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community, especially during the Spring Festival parades, where his group helps ensure order and coordination. His service reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment and community cooperation. In Community Service, Johan U. Teope, former Director of the Philippine Red Cross Baguio and Real Estate Lessor of Jarco Realty & Development Corporation, has long supported community service and volunteerism. He was instrumental during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic by voluntarily extending monetary assistance to support relief efforts in the city. He has also been a steady supporter of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community, helping strengthen cooperation during major activities and events, reflecting a sincere commitment to service, solidarity, and community resilience. As the current President of Tiok Lim Grand Mason Baguio and owner of Jac Seven Enterprises, Businessman Jacky Lim exemplifies how business leadership can serve the wider community. He has consistently supported initiatives of the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community through partnership, resources, and active participation. His role in both civic and business circles has helped bridge cooperation between groups, showing that entrepreneurship can go hand in hand with service, cultural support, and shared responsibility for community progress. Lastly in Public Service, Betty Fangasan served as City Social Welfare and Development Officer from 1993 to 2022, dedicating nearly three decades to public service. She was recognized as Most Outstanding Local Social Welfare and Development Officer in 2003 and Best Social Worker in 1984. During her years at City Social Welfare and Development Office, she worked closely with the Baguio Filipino-Chinese Community in identifying individuals and families in need, helping connect compassion, resources, and timely support to those who needed it most. Ng also expressed his deep gratitude to the community for supporting the joyful Spring Festival Grand Colorful Parade, to the city government officials who continue to support the Chinoy community, to the stakeholders and media groups. “This occasion would not have been possible without everyone who came together and worked together to bring about the good relationship between the Chinoy and the people of Baguio.”By Zaldy Comanda