MAYOR Reinaldo Bautista Jr. finally given up on salvaging the city's hosting of the 21st Philippine Advertising Congress (PAC), which was moved to Subic Bay Freeport following the onslaught of Typhoon Pepeng.

The mayor said the supposed reevaluation of the city last November 4 by the Advertising Board (AdBoard), which the mayor earlier hoped would lead to a change of heart on the part of the organizers to retain the city as the venue, did not materialize because of the threat of another howler, Typhoon Santi.

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He said the failure of the last-ditch effort to save the congress was providential and the city just has to accept that "it really wasn't meant to be."

The mayor just took comfort from the fact that despite the change of venue, the PAC will retain its Baguio concept as if it were still being held in the city.

He said the schedule was retained with him still taking on the task of welcoming the participants and closing the event.

Presentations by Baguio performers commissioned for the event will also push through.

The mayor also announced that the organizers made available 20 booths for Baguio products and services free of charge.

On November 28-29, the AdBoard will come up to the city to turn over the proceeds of the Congress as donation to typhoon victims.

He said the city has decided to waive the donation to Benguet.