Market Encounter to continue despite ordinance

THE Market Encounter held every year in Burnham Park will still continue despite prohibitions in the Trade Fair ordinance.

City officials will bend to the plea of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) allowing the market encounter despite the trade fair ordinance on the condition organizers repack products nicely to attract more customers.

Councilor Elmer Datuin, who chairs the Committee on Tourism, said the body will introduce amendments to the ordinance during their next sessions to solve the problem.

But he said the amendment could not make it during the Baguio Flower Festival event; the implementation of the amendment once approved will be in 2014.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the amendment will be underway but the market encounter as part of the Flower Festival will still push through. This time, with a new name “Baguio Blooms: Landscape Exhibition and Exposition” to be held at the Burnham Park from February 1 to March 3.

BFFFI co–chair Anthony de Leon explained the market encounter had been part of the Panagbenga since the celebration started. He added this is an important part of the event because it is a window for Cordillerans to showcase their different products.

De Leon further stated in a recent press conference that the city cannot just remove the market encounter because it is one of the highlights of the Panagbenga.

The Market Encounter as part of the festivities started during the first Baguio Flower Festival in 1994, which was entitled “The Birth of a Tradition” along with other events like the search for the festival queen; floral parade with street dancing and floats; art and cultural shows; and a Barangay beatification contest, among others.

The encounter came first before the festival’s Kankana - ey name Panagbenga, which means “season of blooming”. The first market encounter showcased a garden show.