BATAC CITY, June 4 -- Thousands of blooming sunflowers greeted visitors on Thursday as they entered the Ferdinand E. Marcos park located at the administration building of the Mariano Marcos State University here on Thursday.

Growing sunflowers is an annual tradition and a symbol for MMSU. Once they start to bloom, it signals that graduation season is approaching.

This year, MMSU president Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr. initiated the establishment of a sunflower art and garden amid the threat of the El Nino phenomenon.

Workers from the General Services Office, along with the Extension Directorate, helped set up the garden, which is now open for public viewing. In addition to rows of sunflowers, the garden features art letter installations...