BAYBAY CITY, Leyte— The city government here is optimistic of making its 16,000 Blossoms a top tourist destination in Eastern Visayas region.
The 16,000 Blossoms at the city’s Linta-on Peak is dotted with LED-powered red and white colored roses inspired by the 10,000 roses in Cebu.
Mayor Carmen Cari said on Monday the local government has already earned about PHP500,000 from the PHP20 per person entrance fee at the new tourism destination.
The city government developed the site for tourism activities in the mountain, resembling the terrain of Batanes province.
It officially opened middle of June this year. The 16,000 Blossoms is part of the PHP20-million development plan of the city for Linta-on Peak.
Cari said the cost of electricity is very minimal because they use LED lights. “We are paying around PHP16,100 a month because lights are energy-efficient.”
The local government also acquired a generator as back-up in case of power interruptions.
“Most of the visitors especially during weekend are not from this city. We bought a generator so we can light up the place and for our visitors to enjoy the view even if there is a brownout,” Cari added.
Ongoing now is the construction of a function hall for rent during special events.
The city government will also fund the construction of two viewing decks overlooking the city proper of Baybay and Cuatros Islands.
An eight-storey image of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the city’s patroness, will also rise at Linta-on Peak.
The area is part of the Pomponan village, a known pilgrimage site for devotees of St. Anthony of Padua.