Baguio City Cancels Panagbenga Festival Due to COVID-19 Threat
BAGUIO CITY – Tourist-favorite Baguio City canceled Panagbenga Festival as COVID-19 spreads in the country.
On Monday. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared a state of public health emergency due to the novel coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). The virus cases in the Philippines soar to 24.
Last night, Duterte revealed that 4 confirmed cases were recorded in West Crame, Sta. Maria, San Juan and Project 6 in Quezon City. Following his declaration, Eat Bulaga and ABS-CBN network released a statement announcing that they will temporarily stop accepting live studio audience amid COVID-19 scare.
On March 9, the local government of Baguio City announced on their Facebook Page that they are canceling some of their activities including the ‘Panagbenga Flower Festival’ to protect the city and its people against the deadly novel coronavirus.
‘Panagbenga Festival is a month-long flower occasion that runs from February 1 to March 8. The festival is one of the most anticipated events in the country.
Baguio City also suspended the sports meet Cordillera Administrative Region Association (CARAA) sports meet, operations of the “pedestrianization” of Session Road every Sunday and night market along Harrison Road. The night market and the “pedestrianization” draw large crowds.
As the dry season begins, foreign and local travelers from across the country are expected to arrive at the “Summer Capital of the Philippines.” But the city decided to cancel the events after the president declared the country under a nationwide state of public health emergency.
The preventive actions of the local government were praised by netizens. Here are some of their comments on the post:
@Judy Anne Fernandez: “Thanks for the proactiveness Mayor. Sana po may sanitation measures din.po.tayo”
@Ram Martin: “Safety first! Our government prioritizes what’s good for the majority.”
@Kevin Aragon Ferrer: “thank you mayor for stepping up for the welfare of all Baguio Citizens”
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