DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT)-Cordillera Director Marie Venus Tan assured collaboration for the Baguio Flower Festival 2018 to guarantee that the best of art, culture and heritage will be shown.
Tan said she will be working closely with the executive committee and is mulling to set up a pavilion during the weeklong session road in bloom to showcase arts and crafts of the artisans.
"The DOT will be there to make sure to highlight arts and crafts," said Tan.
This year's theme, "Celebration of Culture and Creativity," will be in line with the recent distinction of the Pine City as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations' (Unesco) Creative City Network (CCN).
Tan said the concept of the pavilion will be discussed with stakeholders and members of the newly formed Creative Cities Council.
The council has chosen representatives from the artist community. They include Laida Lim for the weaving industry, which includes cloth and basketry; Gilbert Gano for the carving and sculpture sector; and Rommel Marcelo for metal crafts.
National Artist for Visual Arts Ben Cabrera leads visual artists with international filmmaker Kidlat Tahimik, while Alec Mapalo represents performing arts and Dumay Solingay represents literary arts.
Panagbenga is an annual flower festival celebrated every February. The term "Panagbenga" comes from a Kankanaey term meaning "season of blooming."
The festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. It lasts for about a month and flourishes through community spirit involvement.