QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --No need to go to Japan to see one of the most beautiful sights of nature as this can soon be found along the banks of the Pasig River!
Palawan cherry blossom seedlings were recently turned over by the Department of Environment & Natural Resources -National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to the Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization through the Rotary Club of Manila (RCM) who are both constant partners of the PRCMO in the Pasig River rehabilitation. The seedlings will be planted along Pasig River.
The local cherry blossoms variety may not be the exactly like Japan's iconic sakura, because those only grow in temperate climates, but they are distant cousins sharing the same ancestor which are Eudicots.
The turnover ceremony followed by a consultation meeting on future plans and programs on the sustainable development of the Pasig River System under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, which include enhancing the river’s tourism potential through the planting of native Palawan cherry trees, or along the Pasig River’s stretch and adjoining waterways, beginning at the heart of Binondo, Manila.
Locally known as Balayong (Cassia nodosa), the tree is endemic in Palawan and is also known as “Palawan cherry.”
Balayong is a medium-size tree that produces light pink or white flowers in clusters. For locals, it is a symbol of feminine dominance, female beauty, and love in the language of herbs.
The meeting was attended by RCM officials led by District Governor Nominee Jack Rodriguez, President Henry Go, Board Director Hans Palacios, and Pasig River Rehabilitation Chairman Junjie Vazquez; as well as DENR-NCR officials led by Regional Executive Director and PRCMO OIC Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan; Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Engr. Ignacio R. Almira Jr.; Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief Aida E. Esguerra; Production Forest Management Section (PFMS) Chief Arturo G. Calderon; and representatives from the PRCMO.
Also in attendance were Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization officials represented by Barangay 291 Chairwoman Jasmin Escoto, Barangay 293 Chairwoman Marissa Alejandro, Barangay 296 Chairman Rolando Wong, Barangay 303 Chairman Ariel Sierda, and Barangay 281 Chairman Jefferson Lau. (denr-ncr/pia-ncr)
