BAGUIO CITY, Aug. 19 (PNA) -– The Baguio City council will invite the officials of the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc. (BFFFI) to the council session to explain after it has submitted the complete and detailed income statement and expenses of Panagbenga 2012, 2013 and 2014, as stated in the proposed resolution authored by councilors Elmer Datuin and Leandro Yangot Jr.
In an interview today, August 19, Datuin said the BFFFI is given 10 days to submit the income statement and expenses of the past flower festivals.
The resolution asked that the fund subsidy worth Php4M from the city for the festivals should be audited, as those from other sources.
Funds from the use of Burnham Park, Session Road in Bloom, Athletic Bowl, advertisements and other income should be included in the audit, the resolutions also stated.
Datuin said the city must be informed if the BFFFI is making money or if there is a need for additional funds from the city.
This resolution is a reiteration of earlier requests from the council, Datuin clarified.
Other pending matters related to Panagbenga are to be brought out, as soon as the BFFFI responds to the request.
Earlier proposals include a resolution filed by Yangot Jr. to take over the conduct of the next flower festivals starting in 2015.
Yangot in his resolution alleged that the flower festival is a money-making activity which does not showcase the city’s unique culture.
BFFFI officials including executive and hotelier Anthony de Leon, Board of Trustee Dr. Julie Cabato, Atty. Damaso Bangaoet, Jr., Baguio City Schools Division Superintendent Francis Caesar Bringas presented their side in a press conference. (PNA)