Baguio Flower Festival Is IFEA Member, 1st In The Philippines

It has been announced in the opening parade program of the Baguio Flower Festival that Panagbenga is now a member of the prestigious International Festival and Events Association (IFEA).

Today, Monday, February 15, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan confirmed that the Baguio Flower Festival has been accepted by the IFEA with the information that the IFEA Certificate already arrived at the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) office.

“This is an honor and a distinction for the city’s Panagbenga, the certification being a first in the country,” Domogan said.

The certification cites the Baguio Flower Festival as a “member in good standing, adhering to the ethical standards of conduct outlined by the IFEA with all rights and privileges pertaining thereof.”

The IFEA, a non-profit organization was founded in 1956, in Boise, Idaho, USA.

Its target audience “includes all those who produce and support quality celebrations for the benefit of their respective communities.”

The IFEA’s primary focus “is identifying and providing access to the professional resources and networks that will, as stated in the mission, inspire and enable those in our industry to realize their dreams, build community and sustain success through celebration.”

Lifted from its website, The IFEA exists to “serve the needs of our entire industry, all those who share our core values of excellence and quality; the sharing of experience, knowledge, creativity and best practices; and the importance of community building both locally and globally.”

Panagbenga, a Kankana-ey word for “a season of blossoming”, was first staged in 1995 focusing in the participation of schoolchildren.

The festival grew to be a crowd-drawer with its rich cross-culture month-long festivity, and blooms from local, national and even foreign suppliers.

Now, on its 21st year, the Baguio Flower Festival – Panagbenga 2016 organizers are expecting more tourists in the main events, the Grand Street Dancing and the Grand Flower Float parades on February 27 and 28, respectively. (PNA) LAP/JOJO B. LAMARIA