Baguio Christmas will not be the same this year, says city administrator

Baguio’s annual Christmas festivities, which are well-loved not only by residents but also by tourists, will not be the same this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the city administrator said Thursday.

According to Ian Cruz’ report on “24 Oras,” several of Baguio’s yearly events such as the Christmas tree lighting, concert, Night Market, and much awaited lantern parade may not push through at all.

“Malaki ang posibilidad na we might not push through with this. Kahit nakikita niyo kapag may lantern parade, Diyos ko, we have more than almost half a million people in Session Road who are watching. Not only locals ha, pati turista are looking forward to our lantern parade,” City Administrator Bonifacio Dela Peña said.

However, the Christmas Village at the Baguio Country Club will still be opened on a scaled down capacity.

Meanwhile, Dela Peña said strict health and safety protocols will be enforced once Baguio reopens its doors to tourists from the Ilocos and Cordillera regions on September 21. 

Only 200 tourists will be allowed to enter the city per day. Slots may be secured online.

“Lahat will be centralized na sa Convention Center. So escorted ‘yan ng pulis, nakalista mga plate number diyan… so everybody is mandated to have a triage. Ready na tayo do’n sa ating Convention Center, ‘yung testing area pati waiting area,” he said.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News