An estimated 48,000 to 50,000 people gathered on Sunday, Feb. 26 to witness the Cordillera's unique heritage displayed through Panagbenga Festival 2023, particularly the grand float parade, which is the event's highlight.
According to Evangeline Payno, chief of staff of the Baguio Flower Festival organizing committee, the crowd estimate was provided by the Baguio City Police Office.
The grand float parade, which featured thousands of fresh flowers, brought the city back to life after the pandemic, honoring the Cordillera Region's beauty and bounty.
Local craftsmen and artisans used mostly fresh and real potted plants grown by farmers from Benguet and Baguio to create the floats, which conveyed a message of joy, harmony, and unity.
Magalong said that the entire grand float parade was more than just a stunning display of the Cordillera's history; it was also a testament to its people's collective identity and determination to stay grounded in their roots while embracing the future.
He stated that even in a rapidly changing world, people from the region find solace and inspiration in the simple pleasures of life.
Magalong was overjoyed to see Baguio City come back to life after the pandemic, and he said the vibrant colors and energy of this year's celebration served as a call for everyone to come together.
The mayor praised the residents' unity in ensuring the success of Panagbenga and their limitless potential.
Col. Ronald Valdez Gayo, deputy director for operations at the Police Regional Office-Cordillera and commander of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Task Force for Panagbenga 2023, reported that the crowd size was estimated to be around 50,000 as of 9:30 a.m. Sunday.
Despite the large number, Gayo stated that no untoward incident occurred.
For the duration of the event, the Baguio PNP deployed nearly 2,000 police officers to maintain peace and order.
Meanwhile, nine small groups and eight large groups, including private firms, entered the float competition, and the winners will be announced on March 1, according to Payno.
The city government's eagle-themed float was the first to parade down Session Road, then down Harrison Road to the Melvin Jones football field.
The Department of Tourism's garden-themed float was followed by the Baguio Country Club's Aladdin-themed float.
Jeepito, a non-competing float, was billed as the world's smallest Philippine jeepney, measuring 2,336 millimeters long and 4 1/2 feet tall.
Its owner, Ronald Carlton Papa Tan, built the vehicle in 2015 for tourism purposes, powered by a three-cylinder engine typically found in multicabs.
Roses, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums, Malaysian mums, anthuriums, orchids, carnations, and stargazers were among the flowers used in the floats.
Meanwhile, "A Renaissance of Wonder and Beauty," the theme of this year's Panagbenga Festival, highlights the city's journey toward tourism revival, sustainable and responsible tourism development, and entry into the new normal after the pandemic.
