Datuin is BFF topman
COUNCILOR Elmer Datuin now stands as Baguio Flower Festival chairman, taking the reins of the executive committee which runs the annual festival.
Mayor Maurcio Domogan said the decision to have government actively participate was done to quell fears from the public as well as to conform to Commission on Audit recommendations.
Domogan who stands at the helm of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Incorporated signed an Administrative Order released on Tuesday morning which has appointed Freddie Alquiros as co- chairman and members
Anthony de Leon, Councilors Michael Lee Lawana, Peter Fianza, Dr. Federico Martin, Philippine Information Agency regional director Helen Tibaldo, Department of Tourism Director Venus Tan, The Manor general manager, Ramon Cabrera, city hall officials and private citizens, Evangeline Payno, Renato Rondez, Leticia Clemente, Carlos Canilao, Moises Cating and engineer Edgar Victorio Olpindo,
The mayor said the launching of the annual festival is set on the 18th in preparation for the February event.
Domogan said the conduct of the festival has always been a partnership with the government and private sector but stressed changes will be made.
“There is a need to reconstitute the Panagbenga 2018 program committees to synchronize the events lined up by both the government and private sectors for the month-long festival to avoid overlapping of activities that might disrupt the smooth staging of the premier tourism event in the city.”
The mayor said all expenses now will go through the City Treasurer’s office with all rentals at Burnham and Session Road to be paid at City Hall.
Expenses, sponsorships and donations will likewise be posted and given to the public three months after the conduct of the festival.
Domogan also added higher prizes for street dancing and float parades is eyed to be given as well as the return of participation of colleges and universities.
Under the new order a Policy Review Committee is tasked to oversee the implementation of the programmed activities for the Panagbenga while the Program Committees are obliged to plan, organize and implement various activities lined up for the month long festival in close coordination with the BFFFI. The Executive Committee shall coordinate the activities to be implemented by the different program committees for proper execution.
The 2018 Panagbenga major activities are as follows: Opening Ceremony & Parade, Baguio Blooms Exhibition and Exposition, Let A Thousand Flowers Bloom, Handog ng Panagbenga sa Pamilya Baguio, Grand Street Dance Parade, Grand Float Parade, Session Road in Bloom, Pony Boy’s Day, Flower Tee Golf Tournament, Schoolbased Competitions on Landscaping and Floral Design and the Grand Fireworks Display, Closing & Awarding Ceremonies.
The Grand Street Dancing and Opening Parade is chaired and co chaired by Datuin and Alquiros while the Grand Float Parade by de Leon and Alquiros.
The Baguio Blooms Exhibition And Exposition headed by Alex Cabarrubias and Annabelle Ramos and the Session Road In Bloom led by Mary Lou Galiste and Councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr.
At the helm of the let a thousand flowers bloom Handog Ng Panagbenga Sa Pamilya Baguio are
Alquiros and Councilor Peter Fianza while the Pony Boys’ Day is led by Councilor Michael Lawana and the president of the Baguio Pony Boys’ Association, other committees are likewise headed by a tandem of government and private sector representatives.
In a seeming miscommunication, former executive committee chairman, de Leon, faxed to the City Council on Monday a letter announcing the chairmanship of Alquiros to the BFF Executive Committee as he informed aldermen he cannot attend the regular session.
De leon was invited anew by the council's committee on education as a resource person to help the council set guidelines for next year’s festival.
In the meantime, the detailed audit of the BFFI 2017 is yet to be given despite requests by the local council which has irked legislators.
The Commission on Audit has earlier recommended formulating guidelines of funds and submission of financial statements for transparency and accountability; executing a MOA between the city and the BFFI which has to be confirmed by the local council for efficiency and effective operations.
Datuin said COA has given strict guidelines on how to conduct the annual festival in accordance to regulations.
The Panagbenga or Baguio Flower Festival is a governmentcommunity-led tourism project which is being spearheaded by the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) and the City Government of Baguio for the benefit of promoting the city’s culture, unity among its people, tourism and economic industries and showcasing Baguio as a City of Flowers.