The Panagbenga Flower Festival in Baguio City has long been a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich culture and natural beauty. However, recent incidents involving political figures have prompted festival organizers to implement a stringent ban on political participation, regardless of election cycles.
Anthony de Leon, co-chairman of the Panagbenga Executive Committee and General Manager of Baguio Country Club (BCC), announced the decision following unauthorized appearances by politicians during the festival’s float parade. Notably, reelectionist Senator Imee Marcos was seen on an unapproved float, and Diwata, a viral pares vendor running as a party-list representative, had his flower float. Additionally, an award-winning float was observed distributing campaign materials for returning senatorial candidate Lito Lapid.
“They will be banned from participating, election year or not,” De Leon stated, emphasizing the organizers’ commitment to preserving the festival’s non-partisan nature.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Panagbenga organizers had explicitly warned against political campaigning during the two-day parade. Despite these directives, certain politicians attempted to circumvent the rules. De Leon recounted instances where politicians sought to position themselves at the parade’s forefront, then in the middle, and even attempted to distribute campaign materials adorned with campaign colors and jackets. “They complied partially, but in the end, they did not,” he noted.
Co-chair Freddie Alquiroz expressed disappointment over the breaches, stating, “I do not know if any of them apologized. But anyway, the damage has been done.” De Leon added, “We just want respect. We don’t go to their provinces and campaign.”
The parade featured 42 official flower floats, but an unexpected 43rd float appeared at the end. This float, adorned with red flowers and white daisies, bore the inscription “Ilocos Norte” and the phrase “I’M IN,” a play on Senator Marcos’s initials and her senatorial bid. Following the parade, Marcos mingled with the crowd, further blurring the lines between cultural celebration and political campaigning.
In response to these events, Panagbenga organizers are resolute in enforcing a strict ban on political participation in future festivals. This measure aims to maintain the festival’s integrity and remain a celebration free from political influence.