BAGUIO CITY — More than 160,000 people are expected to watch the two major parades of the Panagbenga Flower Festival 2026, according to the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO).

Police said around 17,500 spectators attended the opening parade of the festival on Sunday, February 1. Authorities described the number as only a preview of the larger crowd expected during the Grand Street Dance Parade on February 28 and the Grand Float Parade on March 1.

BCPO City Director Police Colonel Ruel Tagel said the opening parade was generally peaceful. He added that the crowd estimate for the opening ranged from 17,000 to 17,500 people.

For the first time, the BCPO, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. used drones to monitor crowd movement and improve security during the parade. The drones were connected to the city’s Smart City Command Center, allowing authorities to respond faster when needed.

“If we can see more, then we can respond better yun lang naman ang ibig sabihin nun at the same time, yung drone po natin, is may link din po sa SMART city Command Center din po natin, kaya nakikita rin po nila doon”

[“If we can see more, then we can respond better. That’s what it means. At the same time, our drone is also linked to our Smart City Command Center, so they can see it there as well.”]

Despite the smooth opening, some jeepney drivers said traffic increases fuel expenses and affects daily earnings, especially for drivers with high boundary fees.

Commuters also said they now leave earlier than usual to avoid traffic congestion, as roads become crowded by mid-morning during festival days.

City officials said the opening parade helped authorities assess preparations for the upcoming major events, the Grand Street Parade and Grand Float Parade, on February 28 and March 1. Police assured the public that security measures will be intensified for the grand parades, including the setup of emergency lanes for medical assistance.

Authorities also said there are no reported security threats related to the remaining Panagbenga activities, and personnel will remain on standby throughout the festival.

~ Charles Limon