Palawan Cherry Blossoms’ Park to Rise in Puerto Princesa City

• Source:http://palawan-news.com/palawan-cherry-blossoms-park-rise-puerto-princesa-city/
• Tuesday, June 28, 2016

By Catherine Santos

The City Government of Puerto Princesa is currently planning to develop a Palawan Cherry Blossoms Park, to be dubbed as ‘Balayong Park’, which will be inspired by the famous Sakura gardens of Japan, said Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

However, unlike the Sakura Park reportedly to be established in Benguet, the Park, which will be located at the Palawan Sports Complex and nearby areas, will showcase Balayong aka Palawan Cherry Blossoms, a local tree species that resembles the Sakura Tree of Japan.

“Isang man-made destination, kasi kung mapupuno natin ng mga balayong trees ‘yan, pag nagbulaklak, magiging maganda sa paningin,” Bayron said.

He added that the local government unit is planning to relocate existing Balayong trees, if needed. “Kung kinakailangan bilihin, gagawin natin. Bibili tayo ng equipment na panghukay. Para may malalaki agad na balayong tayong malalagay (at the park),” he said.

According to Bayron, while the project will definitely be realized during his term, his team is admittedly still conducting a thorough study of the project. “Ginagawa pa yung over-all plan, para may direksyon tayo hindi yung tira tayo ng tira tapos sasabihin natin sa bandang huli ay mali pala ito,” he said.

Bayron further explained that establishing the ‘Balayong Park’ is part of the city government’s plan to re-direct tourism in the City. “Hindi talaga tayo pwedeng umasa sa mga kasalukuyang (natural) destination. Kahit na world wide na kilala ang Underground River, ‘yong Honda Bay, pero hindi puwedeng ‘yun lang.”

Along with the creation of Balayong Park is the enhancement of the Palawan Sports Complex where additional lights and amenities will be provided.

It is also proposed that the annual Balayong Festival, celebrated in time with the city’s Foundation Day, will be held at the Balayong Park once established.