ORGANIZERS of the Ipitik Festival cancelled the event amid increasing numbers of confirmed coronavirus disease (Covid–19) cases in the country.

Ferdinand John Balanag, founder and organizer of the Ipitik Festival, said the cancellation was brought by health concerns.

“It is with regret and prudence that we in the Council for Baguio Creative City announce that the Ipitik Festival 2020, scheduled to be held on March 28 to April 5 this year, is cancelled, as an act of shared solidarity in combating increasingly rising cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) incidence in the country. While no one has been afflicted among our constituents, as yet, it is best that it remains that way,” Balanag said.

Balanag said the move is in unity with City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s move to cancel all crowd-drawing events of Panagbenga 2020 as well as the suspension for 14 days of the night market operations at Harrison Road and the Sunday closure of Session Road for pedestrian use.

“Ipitik may be gone for now, but it will definitely take cultural center stage at the most opportune time,” said Balanag.

The festival aimed to showcase innovative ways of celebrating culture and the arts in the city and region and open opportunities for artists, artisans and creative workers to boost the creative economy.

“Amid the deadly threat of the respiratory disease, we must prioritize public health and welfare and undertake pro-active measures to keep our residents and visitors out of harm’s way. Truly, an ounce of prevention is best done in times like now,” Balanag added.

Highlights of the cancelled festival set at the Burnham Park Rose Garden include the international Jazz Festival, Highland Food Village, Baguio Arts and Crafts Fair and the Baguio Film Festival.