An artist’s rendition of the Cherry Blossoms Park which is expected to give its first blooms in 2027 at a former dumpsite in Mandaue City. | Photo from the Department of General Services of Mandaue City
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines – Mandaue City will soon have its own Cherry Blossom Park as the city plants at least 1,000 Palawan Cherry Blossoms at the Eco Learning Park in Barangay Umapad on Saturday, September 16.
On Friday, Sept. 15, the Department of General Services (DGS) had already prepared everything from the area where the program will be conducted to the markers where the 1,000 Palawan Cherry Blossom seedlings will be planted.
The activity will be led by Mayor Jonas Cortes.
The Palawan Cherry Blossom locally known as Balayong is a medium-sized tree that produces white and light pink flowers similar to Japan’s iconic Sakura. It is expected to bloom in four years.
DGS Head Engr. Marivic Cabigas said that the city hopes to develop the area in Eco-Learning Park which was a former dumpsite into a tourist site.
“Usa na sa challenge sa Mandaue despite sa atoang pagka highly industrialized naa tay na-reserve na area for the environment and tourist attraction as well, hopefully, kani soon,” said Cabigas.
“Who would have thought (ma-convert siya as an eco-learning park from dumpsite) Even myself mura ra siya og damgo (sauna) pero nabuhat man gyud diay basta naa lay support sa atoang Mayor, ako wala man sad gyud ko pasagdi ni Mayor….(Ma-convert gyud siya) as long as you have the heart, the passion, murag laban lang ba,” Cabigas added.
Aside from planting Balayong to the over 5 hectares area. Cabigas said that structures will also be built there.
An amphitheater will be constructed in front of the Palawan Cherry Blossoms facing the Mactan Channel.
Another plan is to build comfort rooms, a playground for kids, a senior citizens area, and an exercise area. Benches will also be installed in different parts of the pocket forest.
The ‘Cherry Blossoms Pocket Forest’ is also an initiative of the city’s First Lady Sara Walker-Cortes. /rcg
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