By Samantha Faith Flores

BAGUIO CITY - Thousands of visitors and residents of the country’s summer capital took to the streets to watch and enjoy the grand street dancing competition of the 30th Panagbenga Festival.

One of the most watched colorful festivities of the Panagbenga was held on Saturday (Feb. 28) with eight groups vying for the top honors.

The contestants included Lamut Harvest Festival DAnceof Ifugao; Pagibang Damara Festival of San Jose, Nueva Ecija; Tribu Balitok a Pageyu of Malasique, pangasinan; Tribu Batas Alisto SDO of Sto.Domingo, Ilucos Sur; Tribu Bannuar Ilocandia of Balaoan, La Union; Tribu Eulogiano-Baggak Festival of Bauang, La Union; Tribu zkanluran Jones Pini-usa Festival of Jones, Isabela and Tribu Siglat-Tingbo Festival of Pugo, La Union.

Also known as the Baguio Flower Festival, the Panagbenga is an annual celebration of the city to honor the city's blooms and to commemorate its recovery from the devastation of the 1990 Luzon earthquake.

The Philippine National Police has banned the operation of drones in main festival gatherings as part of the security precautions.

The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) said drones are prohibited to cover the Grand Street Dance and Parade of Floats scheduled Feb. 28 and March 1.

Celebrated this year with the theme “Blooming Without End”, The grand parade will continue onnda

Only police security forces will be allowed to operate drones to safeguard public safety.