GALLERY: Panagbenga floats bloom for environmental protection

BAGUIO CITY - The parade of flower-decked floats here on Sunday capped the highlights of the month-long Panagbenga Festival that attracted local and foreign tourists alike.

The Grand Float Parade, which started at 8 a.m., featured 19 competing grand floats adorned with colorful flowers and organic materials prepared by various institutions and companies.

With this year's festival theme "Inspiring the Community for a Greener Tomorrow," the floats were designed with a pro-environment concept.

"Ito ang opportunity for us, people of Baguio including visitors and people of the Cordilleras, na magpasalamat sa ating Panginoon for giving us the environment, the flowers and the trees, and reminding us of our obligation to contribute [in sustaining] the environment," said Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

For instance, the float of the Private Infrastructure Development Corporation and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Toll Expressway depicted the picturesque landscapes, beaches and mountains located in the said provinces to remind Filipinos of protecting these wonders of nature.

The Manila North Tollways Corporation and North Luzon Expressway voiced out their concern on air pollution through their float that was inspired by the popular computer game Plants Versus Zombies.

In delivering a message for environmental protection, the colorful floats on Sunday also used various design themes - from the comedic animated characters "Minions" and 'Epic" movie to ancient Egypt.

Riding some of the floats were celebrities including Ogie Alcasid, Marian Rivera, Alden Richards and Alodia Gosiengfiao.

Among those that joined the Grand Float Parade this year were 7-11, Casino, MLhuiller, Jollibee, Gold Dust Creations, Beauche International, Le Monet Hotel, AMA Baguio, Megapines Realty and Development, GMA Network, Alcatel, and Department of Agriculture, Psalmstre, International Praise Center and SM Baguio.

Authorities are expecting that the main event this attracted 2.5 million tourists this year.

Named after the Kankana-ey term that means "a season for blossoming," the flower festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras.

"Today, we witness not only the blossoming of flowers in this beloved city, but likewise, the blossoming of our beloved people," said Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping.

The annual tourist attraction also features various activities such an exhibition and exposition of Baguio landscapers and a trade fair and bazaar.

Here are some photos of the parade on Sunday, taken by philstar.com's Jonathan Asuncion: