by Lorelyn Centino
Due to the increasing threat of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced the cancelation of Panagbenga 2020 in a press conference at the City Hall, March 9.
The decision was upon the recommendation of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) after an inter-agency meeting with the Department of Health Cordillera and other concerned agencies.
Other activities in the city that draw many people were also suspended, specifically the Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association (CARAA) and the Sunday pedestrianization of Session Road. The operation of Night Market was also suspended for 14 days starting on March 10, 2020.
According to BFFFI chief of staff Evangeline Payno, all events that have been planned for the next few weeks will no longer push through. This includes the Grand Street Parade, Grand Float Parade and Session Road in Bloom. The cancelations were also due to withdrawals from participating entries.
"I know this is a very difficult decision to make for everyone but this is really the best for public safety," she said.
When asked for a possibility of city lockdown, Magalong said that it is not yet considered as of the moment.
"I don't think there will be a lockdown unless we have a particular coronavirus case in the city," Magalong said. "In the absence of that there will be no lockdown," he added.
The City Health Office headed by Dr. Rowena Galpo continues to advocate prevention and control of COVID-19. Meetings and orientations with different groups, schools and universities were already conducted.
"We also participated in barangay assemblies and we can do this every month if it is needed. Barangay health emergency response teams are already organized," Galpo said.
Amelita Pangilinan, regional director of DOH Cordillera, reiterated Proclamation no. 922 recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte declaring COVID-19 a public health emergency in the country. The country is already under Code Red sublevel 1 which means there is a preemptive and anticipatory measure or action to initiate local response against COVID-19.
As of March 9, a total of 20 cases were already confirmed positive for COVID-19 in the country.
Council members urged the public not to panic but rather be responsible for sharing information and be updated with advisories from concerned agencies. Proper sanitation is also highly advised.
Edited by Christel Janela Baptista