An annual festival that not only celebrates the beauty of the national flower, San Pedro, Laguna’s Sampaguita festival also serves as a way to promote tourism and to invigorate the local flower industry in the community.
The Covid-19 pandemic, however, has put the annual celebration on hold. Until now.
Leading the much-awaited revival of the Sampaguita Festival for this year last May 1 are Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez, Vice Governor Karen Agapay and San Pedro City Mayor Art Joseph Francis Mercado and wife, Mrs. Mika Mercado.
Othe government officials present during the ribbon cutting are Laguna 1st District Board Member Bong Bejasa, City Councilor Bernadeth Olivares, City Councilor Niña Almoro, City Councilor Michael Casacop, City Councilor Vincent Jude Solidum, City Councilor Aldrin Gerrold Mercado, City Councilor Leslie Lu, and Chief of Police PLTCOL Rolly Liegen.
By tradition, leis and garland made of Sampaguita flowers is a popular industry in San Pedro and the main source of income of residents there since it was popularized by the likes of David Amante after World War II, Mercado pointed out.
During the celebration, the Sampaguita Nursery Park was also inaugurated. Mercado said that while the festival involves many other activities, its focus remains on showcasing numerous products made from the country’s national flower of the Philippines.
Mercado describes the Sampaguita Festival as a “launchpad for economic recovery” for San Pedro after enduring the effects of the still ongoing pandemic.