BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
Being with nature is fun and relaxing; it is an activity that’s good for both the mind and body and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Your brain also benefits from time spent with the nature, like being in a garden. The fresh air and sunshine is an effective way to boost your mood and de-stress. It also helps reduce the risk of depression. If something is weighing heavily on your mind, gardening can allow you to focus on an activity that will bring you joy.
Iloilo City is home to picturesque islands and scenery, heritage homes, historical landmarks, and delectable cuisine. Since it is also known as the “City of Love” with warm and caring people, one of the green spaces here is also named after it.
Garden of Love in Barangay Nabitasan, Lapaz District, is a nature park that offers peaceful scenery. In this wonderful attraction, there are different varieties of blooming and colorful flowers that will relax your mind.
This project is under Mayor Jerry Treñas’ W.H.E.E.L.S. (Welfare, Health and Sanitation, Education, Environmental Management, Livelihood, and Sustainability) Inclusive Development for the Environment.
Treñas himself is also fond of planting and collecting flowers.
“Our main objective is dala sa amon mission which is to beautify open spaces. And bal-an ta man nga ang aton mayor tuman ka mahilig sa tanum so na incorporate nya gid sa iya nga project,” said Davy Jones Estrellanes from the City Mayor’s Office.
Estrellanes is also one of the people who maintain the garden. She added that there were caretakers on the shifting schedule to keep the attraction clean.
The City of Love is growing every day as it continues to be improved by the people working hand in hand in the community. Be sure to drop by here when you visit Iloilo during this 2023 Dinagyang Festival./PN
PHOTOS BY RM CALANTAS AND AJ PALCULLO
