The Salinlahi Park of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines was built just before the rainy season in May 2009. It was the first park to be constructed on a Pacific island, and incorporated a black instead of a white pearl. The project was completed with the energrtic support of the Mayor of Puerto Princesa, Edward Hagadorn. The mayor had an enlightened environmental record and saw the park as the first element in a future international environmental learning center. The dedication of the park was timed to coincide with an international peace conference organized by the World Council for Curriculum and Instruction, a San Diego-based NGO.
The park was constructed by students from Yantai, Jeju, Vladivostok, Puerto Princesa and San Diego, and added new partner universities from both the Philippines and Korea, and was generously supported by the Rotary in both the San Diego and Puerto Princesa.
Jumping for joy a the closing ceremony inside Salinlahi’s graceful portal. The Philippines comprise over 7,000 islands. Salinlahi was sited on an inlet off the main coast, and its portal oriented to frame the most enticing view. PHOTO: Courtesy of Ilan-Lael Foundation
