Baguio City motorists and commuters should prepare for temporary road closures from February 21 to 23, 2025, as the city celebrates the much-anticipated Panagbenga Grand Street Dancing and Floral Float Parade. The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has released a traffic advisory detailing the affected areas and alternate routes to ensure the smooth flow of the festival.
Road Closures and Traffic Adjustments
The BCPO announced the following road closures for the festival events:
February 21, 2025 (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
For the ‘Super Centennial Parade,’ the half lane of the following roads will be temporarily closed:
- Session Road (entire stretch)
- Harrison Road
- Jose Abad Santos Drive
- Lake Drive
February 22-23, 2025 (1:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
A full closure will be in effect on the following roads during the Grand Street Dancing Parade and the Floral Float Parade:
- South Drive
- Session Road
- North Drive
- Kalaw Street
- Part of Abanao Street
- Part of Magsaysay Avenue
- Harrison Road
- Perfecto Street
- Mabini Street
- Shanum Street
- Abad Santos Drive
- Lake Drive
Motorists are strongly advised to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid inconvenience.
Parade Route and Access Restrictions
To maintain the safety and efficiency of the event, BCPO has specified that once control points are in place by 5:00 AM on parade days, only vehicles carrying parade participants will be permitted entry. The parade route will cover:
- Upper Session Road
- Session Rotunda
- Lower Session Road
- Magsaysay Maharlika
- Harrison Road
- Abad Santos Drive
- Lake Drive
- Ending at Melvin Jones Grandstand
Participants will be prepositioned from Panagbenga Park to South Drive.
Emergency Lane and Access to Hospitals
To ensure emergency preparedness, the BCPO has designated an emergency lane along Kalaw-North Drive-Session Road Intersection. Spectators are prohibited from occupying this area. Vehicles requiring emergency access to hospitals must take Kalaw Road and North Drive. Hospitals along this route include:
- Notre Dame De Chartres Hospital
- SLU Hospital
- Baguio General Hospital And Medical Center (BGHMC)
- Baguio Medical Center (BMC)
Public Advisory and Cooperation
The BCPO urges the public to cooperate with traffic enforcers and follow designated routes. “Motorists and commuters are advised to take alternate routes and plan their trips accordingly. We appreciate your patience and cooperation in ensuring the smooth conduct of this much-anticipated event,” the police statement read.
The Panagbenga Festival is one of the most awaited annual events in Baguio City, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. The temporary road closures are necessary to ensure the safety of participants and spectators while allowing for an organized and enjoyable celebration.