Flower Fever 2013

THE much anticipated Baguio Flower Festival starts today with the opening day parade of elementary and high school students performing at the "newly reconditioned" pavement of historic Session Road.

Burnham Lake has been spruced up to add to the ambiance of the park preparatory to the planned regatta at the lake coupled with flowers lining the area.

Business establishments are now on a high for the main event on the 23rd and 24th of this month with visitors expect to flock once again to the country’s Summer Capital to witness the colorful grand street and float parade.

Session Road will once again be closed to traffic for a week, Feb. 25-March 3 for the Session Road in Bloom while Wright Park will feature the Pony Boys day at the horse back riding area in Pacdal.

But questions arise from our preparations. Are we really ready to meet the demands of our sought after tourists? Meaning, are all the city service providers at par with the expected influx of tourist?

Do we have enough water? Are all the hotels, inns and home stay are ready to accommodate them? And what about the expected garbage that will add up to the present problem of the city?

I'm not being melodramatic nor am I being a kill joy. But reality comes to play during these times. Yes it's additional revenue for the city but what about the cause and effect of such gigantic monthlong activity?

My development management course at the University of the Cordilleras instilled in us to look beyond the horizon, have a wider view of things and not be stuck to the traditional "outside looking in" attitude.

All planners must view this on a wider scale. And so the question what will happen if we do this and how would this affect our future?

The flower fever is once again upon us but this is just one of the events in happening in the city. And what about the coming alumni homecomings, graduations, the holy week, the summer season, and not to forget, the much awaited battle of the politicians in May?

This will all be contributory to the present problems that we are currently facing.

And if the flower fever is just the tip of the iceberg, then it's up to you voters who will give the mandate for the various political figures a chance to govern.

But always keep in mind that let's vote for those who really have the capacity to do something for the future and benefit of the city.

And hopefully, we all will have brighter future for our beloved City of Pines.