BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - In line with its standard operating procedure of ensuring a safe and successful conduct of  high - density gatherings in the region, the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC)  held a virtual pre – disaster risk assessment,  and coordination meeting on January 16  for the Panagbenga 2024.

The council looked into the weather systems that may affect the festival,  as well as into the preparations of the city government and its partners, in terms of ensuring a safe and successful staging of this year’s Panagbenga.

 
CRDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Albert Mogol outlined the importance of maintaining a strong collaboration in ensuring a pro-active approach, and a whole-of-government and society approach, in terms of preparedness, as the Panagbenga is expected  to draw a huge crowd especially during its grand parades weekend.

CRDRRMC Chairperson and Office of Civil Defense Regional Director Albert Mogol outlined the importance of maintaining a strong collaboration in ensuring a pro-active approach, and a whole-of-government and society approach, in terms of preparedness, as the Panagbenga is expected  to draw a huge crowd especially during its grand parades weekend.

“Our response framework for local festivals will be the same as locally controlled or LGU-led. We, at the RDRRMC,  will serve as support as we enable the host LGU to facilitate incident command system-based and operational safety, preparedness, and response readiness measures,  all of which are in consideration to public safety,” Mogol stressed.
 
In the meeting, the Baguio DRRM Council gave updates  on the city’s preparation plan while the Baguio City Police Office gave a briefing on the initial traffic and peace and order preparations.

The Philippine Military Academy also gave an update on the PMA Alumni Homecoming, which is  part of the Panagbenga calendar of activities.
 
Meanwhile, Larry Esperanza of PAGASA – Baguio reported a dry and  cold weather for Panagbenga 2024,  with the forecast  minimum temperature going down to as low as 9 degrees Celsius.  

The month- long Panagbenga  will have its grand opening parade and program on February 3 and the crowd -drawing highlights,  Grand Street Dancing and the Grand Float Parade will be on Feb. 24 and 25, respectively.

As in the previous staging of Baguio’s home-grown festival, this year’s  Pangbenga is expected to draw more than a million  local and foreign  visitors. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)