The Provincial Government of La Union in cooperation with the City Government of San Fernando celebrated the 12th Foundation Anniversary of the La Union Botanical Garden through the blessing of the newly opened themed garden, the Garden of Native Species on March 3, 2008 at Brgy. Cadaclan here.
According to botanists, out of the total 1, 524 known genera of Philippine plants 1,308 may be considered indigenous and 34 of these indigenous floras are endemic, on the other hand, out of the 8,120 species of flowering plants, 7,620 species are indigenous and 5,832 are endemic.
The Garden of Native Species is a collection of plants which can be indigenously found in the Philippines. An array of landscaped native plants and flowers can be seen as one traces the footpath going up a hill and down exiting at the Picnic Grounds at the garden.
With the LUBG mission of establishing a garden for environmental education, scientific research, biodiversity conservation, aesthetic recreation and public service potentials, the establishment of a native specie garden allows another worthy endeavor in promoting our own peculiar and identifiable species of plants.
On the other hand, a short turn-over ceremony was also conducted. Mrs. Geraldine R. Ortega relinquished her chairmanship of the LUBG Foundation to Mrs. Mariquita P. Ortega. They presented the awards for the Best Garden along Brgy. Cadaclan, Best Maintained Garden at the LUBG and Loyalty Awards for Gardeners.
The event was graced by former City Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega together with Hon. Marylin Jucar, Hon. Mario Lacsamana, LUBG Board Members Mr. Daniel Bolong, Sr., Mrs. Blanchita Ignacio and Engr. Cresencio Fernandez and attended by the city employees, Department of Education SFC, District I & II teachers and residents. |
