Eco Warriors Return to Nurture Their Legacy Tree at 9th Balayong Tree Planting and Nurturing Festival

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Eco Warriors and staff of the PZC-Eco Kolek Program joined government agencies, private organizations, and community groups at the 9th Balayong Tree Planting and Nurturing Festival on July 25, 2026, returning to Balayong People's Park to care for the Balayong tree they planted in an earlier edition of the festival.

Organized by the City Government of Puerto Princesa under the theme "Growing Together as One Community," the festival brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders in support of urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and collective environmental responsibility. The Eco Kolek delegation consisted of 15 Eco Warriors and 10 PZC staff members.

The program opened with a doxology by the Puerto Princesa City Choir and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, followed by cultural presentations from the Banwa Dance and Arts and the Batang Palaweño Dance Troupe. Musical performances included Lino Cabrera, composer of the Balayong People's Park theme song; Prinsesani, who performed her original composition about the Balayong tree; and Konek-Tibo, which presented a set of environmentally themed songs.

City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron, in his message, underscored the value of dedicating public spaces to trees native to the city's identity.

"Kung magtatayo na lang rin tayo ng parke, gawin na nating tree park dahil marami itong advantages and benefits, alam niyo 'yan dahil makakalikasan tayo rito sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. At, kung gagawin nating tree park, itanim natin 'yung puno na magpapakilala sa lungsod ng Puerto Princesa," Mayor Bayron said.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rodney G. Verian framed the park as a model for balancing development with conservation.

"As our city continues to grow and modernize, places like Balayong People's Park become just as essential. Tingnan ninyo ang paligid natin ngayon—ang kagandahan ng Balayong People's Park ay hindi lang dahil marami itong puno na magaganda at syempre ang kanyang mga bulaklak. It's because it gives a reason to slow down, to spend time outdoors. It is a showcase of how a modern city can expand without losing its connection to nature," Verian said.

Following the program, the Eco Warriors joined representatives from partner organizations and government agencies in nurturing and fertilizing the trees they had previously planted in the park, using fertilizer provided by the City Government.

For members of the program's second batch of Eco Warriors, the moment carried particular meaning. Several recalled the tree's beginnings, with one among them having been one of the first to dig the hole and set the sapling in the ground. Seeing the tree now fully grown, with a broad canopy of branches, served as a tangible reminder of the lasting impact of their contribution.

The Eco Kolek delegation also met with partner agencies and joined City Mayor Bayron for a photograph along the park's walkway, reflecting the program's strengthening collaboration with the City Government in advancing environmental protection and conservation.

The Balayong tree, native to Palawan and closely tied to Puerto Princesa's cultural identity, has anchored the city's annual festival since its inception. Through its continued participation, PZC-Eco Kolek reaffirms its commitment to initiatives that deepen environmental awareness, encourage community participation, and contribute to the preservation of Puerto Princesa's natural resources.

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