Healing rituals are up for the issue ridden 30th edition of the Baguio Flower Festival after bystanders were injured Sunday night during the closing fireworks of the annual festival.
Councilor Jose Molintas said an Ibaloy ritual, Selsi, is to be undertaken Friday, March 13, at the Ibaloy Park to pray for the immediate healing of all those affected.
Molintas said he has requested a full report from the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) through media chair Andrew Pinero regarding the injuries sustained at Burnham Park. The BFFFI reported that all injured individuals were treated at the Baguio General Hospital, and the foundation has provided assistance, including accommodations for their families. Those affected were tourists who had traveled to experience the annual celebration.
In an official statement, the BFFFI said:
“The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) expresses its concern over the incident that occurred during the fireworks display marking the closing of Panagbenga 2026 on the evening of March 8 near the Burnham Park skating rink. The safety and well-being of residents and visitors remain our foremost priority. We extend our concern to those who were injured and wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The foundation added that it is coordinating with the City Government, law enforcement, and the licensed fireworks operator, who has committed to covering all medical expenses.
This latest incident follows a string of misfortunes for the festival. On February 28, children performing in the grand street dancing parade suffered blisters after the artificial turf grass burned their feet. Later, on March 4, a vehicle rammed into stalls at Fr. Carlu Street, damaging businesses and injuring staff. These consecutive events prompted local elders to call for the healing ritual. Maria ELena Catajan