PHILIPPINES CEBU CITY LAUNCH OFFICIAL FLOWER

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Cebu City Government has launched the official flower named “celosia “ for the Sinulog festivities after more than a decade, the state media reported today.
The celosia flower was also named by the city as the “Halad sa Sto. Niño” flower as it features the prominent colors of the garment of the Sto Niño – yellow and red. The flower’s shape is similar to that of a rooster’s comb and has silky blooms that make it all attractive.

• Celosia has not been officially launched to the public because the Hillyland Management Board became stagnant for years.
• SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros said they will be using the celosia flower to adorn the stage for next year’s Sinulog grand parade.
• Arnel Opte, one of the flower growers in the upland Cebu City barangay of Sirao, said the celosia can last up to two weeks after cutting. If placed in pots, Opte said the flowers could last up to three months.

While the celosia flowers are grown in the mountain barangay of the city, Opte said they are not usually seen in the markets here because it is expensive compared to other flowers. A bundle of celosia flower, he said, cost 20 pesos and they are delivered to Central Luzon.
Franklin Seno, consultant of the city government’s Hillyland Management Board said the generic name of the flower “celosia” is a Greek word that means “flaming love.” It also refers to the flame like head of the flower.

Source: Agency