19 trees may be cut for eco park

CEBU, Philippines — Nineteen assorted trees may be cut as part of the development of the 3,600-square-meter Mandaue Agri-Eco Park in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia, although the city government is still awaiting the recommendation of the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO) on which trees can be preserved or relocated.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said that some trees may be removed if allowed under environmental regulations, while those identified by MCENRO will first be assessed for possible relocation.

“Kita no muhuwat man gyud ta sa MCENRO nato,” Ouano said, adding that the city will await the office’s recommendation on whether the trees should be transferred, grouped within the area or removed as part of the site’s rehabilitation.

The Mandaue City Council on Monday, Sept. 14, approved a committee report expressing no objection to the proposed cutting of 19 trees and earthballing of another 12 trees affected by the project being undertaken by Oakridge Realty Development Corp.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna, author of the report, said the property was previously used as a small nursery and is now being redeveloped into an agri-eco park.

He said some trees may have to be relocated or removed depending on the final layout, but efforts are being made to save as many of the affected trees as possible through earthballing and relocation.

The council report also emphasized that its approval does not constitute a tree-cutting or earthballing permit. It only expresses the council’s support for the processing of the necessary permits and clearances.

Fortuna said the project proponents must still secure the appropriate permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned agencies before any cutting or relocation activity begins.

“Definitely, we will go through the process with DENR in getting the permit,” he said.

The committee report requires strict compliance with environmental laws and regulations and prioritizes the preservation, earthballing and relocation of trees whenever practicable.

It identifies 23 Foxtail Palms and one Traveller’s Palm for earthballing and relocation, subject to applicable DENR requirements.

Fortuna said replacement planting is also included in the proposed landscape design, with additional vegetation to be established within the park.

The project is being pursued through a partnership involving the city government, the Department of Agriculture and Oakridge Group, which will undertake the development at no cost to the city, according to Ouano.

The mayor said the city welcomed the project because Mandaue currently does not have an official public park.

“This will be an open space for the Mandauehanon, open to the public,” Ouano said.

The park is planned to provide residents with an area where they can walk, run and spend time outdoors.

Ouano said the city is targeting the opening of the agri-eco park before December, with the initial plan including Christmas lighting activities alongside the city’s Heritage Plaza near City Hall. — (FREEMAN)