BAGUIO CITY – the scent of flowers fill the air as the 17th edition of the Baguio Flower Festival starts in this mountain resort.

This week, Mayor Mauricio Domogan has ordered the suspension of classes for Elementary and Secondary Levels both for public and private schools come February 1 (Wednesday).

Domogan said,' suspending classes in both Elementary and High School levels will give them the opportunity to participate in the grand opening parade of the Panagbenga' which falls on a Wednesday.

'The grand opening parade is now converted into an open competition among participating elementary and secondary schools in the city, He said.

"This will jumpstart the bigger and better activities lined up for the month-long event", Domogan added.

The Panagbenga Flower Festival will be held from February 1 to march 4 with the theme 'Community Convergence for a Sustainable Tourism Growth'.

Numerous traditional and community-led government supported activities will be featured during the event to boost the city's robust tourism industry.

Classes for College level will also be suspended on February 25 (Saturday) for the Grand street Dancing Parade.