Puerto Princesa’s own version of Cherry Blossom Park soon to open

A 5.8 – hectare park in Puerto Princesa known as “Baluyong Park” will feature Palawan’s version of Japan’s famed cherry blossom or “Sakura” trees.

Image grabbed from this website cnnphilippines.com

Palawan’s cherry trees, locally known as “Balayong” are endemic in the local area, it is a tree recognized with white and pink flowers when in full bloom.

 
Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron said that it has been a lifelong dream to be able to build a park that is capable of holding all the major events in the city thus the promotion of the project.

 
City Information Officer Richard Ligad said fully-grown balayong trees were transplanted to the park using Korean technology.
Aside from the tunnel of baluyong trees, the park will also feature an ecumenical chapel, meditation garden, fitness and recreational park auditorium, a water park, and an amphitheater.

 
The mayor revealed that the estimated cost for this project will be around P100 Million, also including the renovation and upgrades of all the existing buildings at the City Sports Complex.

 
Philippines’ first cherry blossom park is located in Atok, Benguet. However, unlike the Balayong Park, the one in Benguet features Japan’s cherry blossom trees which are expected to produce flowers and be in full bloom after three years.
Source: cnnphilippines.com, tcfdaily.com