The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) is claiming full responsibility following reports of injuries sustained by performers during the Panagbenga Grand Street Dance Parade.
In a statement released Monday, BFFFI executive committee chairperson Anthony De Leon addressed growing concerns over the use of artificial turf at the Melvin Jones Grandstand, which participants and spectators claimed led to pain and distress among the contingents.
“To the students, teachers, trainers, and contingents who experienced pain, injury, and distress, I apologize for this error in judgment and take full responsibility,” De Leon said.
The decision to install the turf was intended to upgrade the performance area, which in previous years consisted of dust, rocks, and hot sand. However, De Leon acknowledged that the solution proved hazardous for the dancers, many of whom perform barefoot or in traditional attire.
“The result caused harm and fell short of the care, judgment, and cultural sensitivity required of us as organizers,” De Leon added, emphasizing that the parade committee and the performers themselves were not at fault.
The BFFFI is now outlining immediate steps to address the fallout that includes assistance by coordinating with affected schools and leaders to document injuries and provide “necessary and appropriate assistance.”
The foundation will also conduct a safety assessment and a review of the decision-making process and hold future dialogues with schools, cultural practitioners, and stakeholders before implementing similar changes.
The incident sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many residents and cultural advocates pointing out that the synthetic material became excessively hot under the sun and was unsuitable for the rhythmic movements of Cordilleran traditional dances.
“Panagbenga belongs to the people,” De Leon said. “We hear your concerns, we accept accountability, and we will act accordingly.”
The BFFFI stated it will provide further updates to the local government and media as they finalize their course of action. NLMonitor
Here is the statement in full:
To our performers, schools, families, and the people of Baguio and the Cordilleras:
We acknowledge the serious concerns raised regarding the artificial turf used at Melvin Jones during the Grand Street Dance Parade.
To the students, teachers, trainers, and contingents who experienced pain, injury, and distress, I apologize for this error in judgement and take full responsibility.
As everyone knows, the previous years where the participants for the Grand Street Parade was at the Melvin Jones Football field under dust, rocks and hot sand. The intention was to improve the performance area. The result, however, caused harm and fell short of the care, judgment, and cultural sensitivity required of us as organizers.
As Executive Committee Chairperson, I take full responsibility for this incident.
We are now:
* **Coordinating with affected schools and contingent leaders** to document incidents and extend the necessary and appropriate assistance;
* **Conducting an immediate review** of the decision, safety assessment, and implementation;
* **Committing to stakeholder consultations** with schools, cultural practitioners, and concerned sectors before any similar measures are adopted in future festivals.
Our Committee for the Street Dance Parade and the performers are not at fault. The responsibility to ensure a safe and culturally respectful performance environment rests with me.
Panagbenga belongs to the people. We hear your concerns, we accept accountability, and we will act accordingly.
I thank you for your patience and understanding. We will update the Local Government and our local media on our courses of action.
**Anthony R. De Leon**
Executive Committee Chairperson
Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc.