Ivan Abille, ABS-CBN News North Luzon

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/regions2/06/07/cherry-blossoms-reuters-060716.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Cherry blossoms in full bloom in Tokyo, Japan in April 2014. <em>Reuters</em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>ATOK, Benguet - Cherry blossoms, or &quot;sakura&quot; in Japanese, are considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. </p><p>The beloved cherry trees, which can be found in Japan, bloom only once a year, during spring. </p><p>But those who want to catch a glimpse of these beautiful flowers no longer have to empty their wallets and fly to Japan. </p><p>Just go to Benguet province.</p><p>The Kochi Prefecture has given Benguet 35 seedlings, 34 of which have been planted in Paoay, Atok and one in Mankayan.</p><p>&quot;I think it&#x27;s a first of its kind in the Philippines,&quot; said Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, who fell in love with the pink and white flowers during his visit to Japan.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2016/regions2/06/07/cherry-blossoms-2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Young cherry blossom tree in Benguet. <em>ABS-CBN News</em></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>The team from Japan originally considered planting the trees in Mt. Pulag where the climate is more more temperate. The mountain&#x27;s altitude, however, is too high for the trees to thrive, prompting the team to instead plant them in Atok.</p><p>The seedlings symbolize not only the blossoming relationship between Kochi Prefecture and the province of Benguet, but also the heroic Filipino and Japanese soldiers who died during World War II.</p><p>Marie Venus Tan, director of the Department of Tourism (DOT) - Cordillera, said the cherry trees will help boost tourism in Benguet.</p><p>Tan said they are also hoping that this can serve as an eye opener to the community where locals cut trees to make space for vegetable farms.</p><p>The cherry trees are expected to bloom and yield their first flowers in three years.</p>

ATOK, Benguet - Cherry blossoms, or "sakura" in Japanese, are considered one of the most beautiful flowers in the world.

Coming soon: Cherry blossoms in Benguet

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Coming soon: Cherry blossoms in Benguet

Ivan Abille,

ABS-CBN News North Luzon

Published Jun 07, 2016 11:15 PM PHT

Read More:

cherry blossoms

cherry trees

sakura

flowers

Atok

Benguet

Philippines

Japan

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