Preparations for the 117th Baguio Day celebrations are ongoing, though scaled down in alignment to economize and use fewer resources, and anchored on the theme, “Cultivating Circularity: Building an Everlasting Baguio.”
This was emphasized by Tourism Officer Jose Maria Rivera who represented City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office (CTCAO) acting head Engr. Alec Mapalo in a meeting with office, agency heads and stakeholders, Aug. 11 at the Baguio Convention and Culture Center Executive Lounge.
Executive Order 97, series of 2026 issued by Mayor Benjamin Magalong in July, states that this year’s theme “reflects the city’s commitment to circularity by promoting responsible resource use, innovation, cultural preservation and community collaboration toward a resilient, sustainable and everlasting Baguio.”
The commemoration “honors Baguio’s heritage and achievements;” reaffirms the community’s “shared commitments to a progressive, inclusive and sustainable future;” and highlights the unity of Baguio’s people anchored in indigenous heritage and enriched by the diverse cultures of its inhabitants.
The launching program was done August 3 during the flag raising ceremonies where the creation of the CTSAO was announced by Acting City Tourism Officer Engr. Alec Mapalo, an award was conferred to a student leader, the sashing of Ms. Baguio candidates, and presentations from students.
Last Aug. 3, the Fragments of Memory, Images of Baguio and Benguet from 1890 to 1909 (Photographic Journey through early Baguio and Benguet) commenced by ribbon cutting ceremonies by Assistant Secretary Antonio Tabora as Presidential Assistant for the Cordillera, Ibaloy physician Julie Camdas-Cabato and other dignitaries, at the Baguio Museum, Gov. Pack road. The exhibit runs up to Sept. 1, Baguio Day.
On August 29, the 63rd Baguio Center Mall Non-Master Chess Tournament (Baguio Day Cup) goes on at the Baguio Center Mall 5th floor activity area; and on Aug. 30, the 3rd Baguio Half-Marathon at Burnham Lake Drive
Other preparatory activities shall be on Aug. 30 (Sunday) starting with the Baguio Country Fair along Session road with ribbon cutting at 8:00 AM, the chalk art competition at lower Session road just after the ribbon cutting ceremonies, where each group designs a panel in relation to the theme of the 117th Day charter day celebration; a pet (country-theme) fashion show, along upper Session road, starting at 9 AM; and Country Jam which is open to all country ban groups, starting at 3 PM at Calderon street.
On August 31, line dance competitions go on at Upper Session Road, followed by the Country fashion show at Calderon st., cultural performances, country fair games, battle of the bands, cultural melting pot showcase, most creative photo contest, children cowboy costume competition and best Cowboy town booth contest.
On Sept. 1, the Baguio day program shall at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center at 8:30 in the morning with messages from local and national leaders, whose attendance shall still be confirmed; and awarding ceremonies for Outstanding Citizens of Baguio. The opening of Burnham Lake is scheduled at 1 PM, while closing program and awarding ceremonies is at 3 PM at Calderon street. A fireworks display cap the celebrations at 7PM.
Ms. Baguio preliminary activities take place on Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 with coronation on Sept. 5.
The Baguio Victory day shall be on Set. 3, a working holiday marking the formal surrender of Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita at Camp John Hay in 1945 which ended World War II in the Pacific. In Baguio, a ribbon cutting of the renovated WWII marker at Naguilian road shall be done with a parade later, and wreath-laying at the veterans park. All activities are coordinated with the CTCAO, Philippines Veterans Office, various veteran groups and the Philippine Veterans Bank.
Forthcoming activities are the 3rd BCTBA National Open Championships on Sept 1-5, at the Puyat Sports Bowling Center; Online Trivia Challenge on Sept. 2-5 at the Baguio City Public Library; Civil Service Commission CAR PCSA Fun Run and Baguio Students Day 2026 on Sept. 13; Baguio City Hall Fun Run on Sept. 16; City Hall Family Day and Mini-Olympics on Sep.t 16-17; Country Club Fun run on Sept. 20; Job Fair on Sept. 26, the venue still to be arranged; National Invitational Arnis Tournament on Sept. 26-27; Foundation day marathon on Sept. 27.
Other revisions and addition of activities may still be done before Baguio Day. **Julie G. Fianza
