Puerto Princesa, Palawan (CNN Philippines) — Puerto Princesa City is planning to build a park showcasing Palawan cherry blossoms that will resemble Japan’s famous sakura gardens.
It will be called Balayong Park after the local name of the native cherry blossom tree, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron said on Monday. Balayong trees will be planted at the Palawan Sports Complex and nearby areas, he said.
“Kung mapupuno natin ng mga balayong trees ‘yan, pag namulaklak, magiging maganda sa paningin,” Bayron said.
[Translation: If we fill that up with balayong trees, it would look beautiful once they flower.]
A mixture of light pink and white flowers adorn the balayong trees when in full bloom.
He said that the local government may relocate existing balayong trees in the city to make sure the park will have balayong trees in full bloom.
Bayron said his team is still studying the project, but he is confident the Balayong Park will be constructed during his term.
Bayron said the Balayong Park is part of the local government’s plan to boost tourism in the city.
The first-ever Japanese cherry blossom park in the country is in Atok, Benguet. The sakura trees, planted early this month, are expected to bloom in three years.
Palawan-based journalist Catherine Santos contributed to this story.
