FEATURE: Salinggogon Spectacle: Alcala, Cagayan roads transform into a Sea of Philippine Cherry Blossoms

Alcala, Cagayan – Spring seems to have come early in Alcala, Cagayan, as the town’s salinggogon trees (Cratoxylum formosum) burst into bloom, captivating residents and netizens alike. Photos shared on social media by Mayor Cristina “Tin” Antonio showcased the flowering trees lining Alcala’s streets, painting the town with shades of pink and white.

According to Mayor Antonio, the salinggogon trees were planted by the municipal government as part of its environmental and reforestation initiatives, and they are now beginning to flourish in various parts of the town, particularly along main roads.

Since 2021, the local government has planted a total of 1,917 salinggogon trees along the national highway, spanning Barangays Baybayog, Baculod, Centro Norte, Centro Sur, Maraburab, Tupang, and Piggatan. Of these, 1,628 trees—or 85%—have survived and grown, contributing to Alcala’s ongoing reforestation efforts.

“First in bloom are 42 trees, and many more are starting to bud,” Mayor Antonio said. “It’s truly a sight to behold as hundreds of salinggogon trees begin to blossom. The trees along the national highway are just one part of Alcala’s Green Wall, which covers 110 sites where we have planted 50,000 Philippine forest, flowering, and fruiting trees.”

The salinggogon, often called the “Philippine Cherry Blossom” or local “Sakura,” produces dense clusters of pink or white flowers during the dry season, evoking the beauty of Japan’s famed cherry trees.

These resilient trees are not unique to Cagayan—they are also found in Rizal, Bulacan, Mindoro, Guimaras, Negros, parts of Mindanao, and other regions across the Philippines, adding color and life to local landscapes nationwide.

With Alcala’s blooms drawing attention online, the town is fast becoming a destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts, proving that small steps in reforestation can yield spectacular results.