At least 1,200 cherry blossom seedlings were planted here Saturday morning after the local government decided to come up with a tourist attraction away from the island’s renowned waters and pristine shores.
The Balayong Park will be the city’s next tourist spot once the trees bloom, Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron said.
The cherry blossom tree, locally known as Balayong, is a medium-sized tree that produces light pink flowers from February to May. The tree is an attraction in other parts of the world, notably Japan, where millions visit every spring just to see rows of its pink blooms.
The city government will assign “ninongs” (godfather) to monitor the growth of the trees, Bayron said.
The government is also planning to put up water parks, fitness centers, and children’s playgrounds in the area, he said.
The mayor said the place will also serve as a venue for different activities in the city, including the annual celebration of the Balayong Festival every March that commemorates the city’s founding anniversary.
Story: ABS-CBN News
