Poll bets urged: Spare the trees

CEBU, Philippines - As the 2013 synchronized national and local elections draws near, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 is calling on candidates to refrain from putting up campaign materials on trees.

“This is to remind all election candidates that putting up of streamers and tarpaulins on trees especially when using iron nails could stress out and damage its health condition,” said DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo. According to Section 3 of Republic Act number 3571, no cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks other than national parks, school premises or in any other public ground shall be permitted.

 Presidential Decree number 953 also provides a similar prohibition under Section 3, which provides a punishment of imprisonment for not less than six months and more than two years or a fine of less than P5,000 and not more than P5,000 or both at the discretion of the court.

By iron nailing a certain material beyond  the bark of a tree, Montejo said it will impair the vigor and structural integrity of a tree as it invites attack by harmful insects, fungi, and diseases.

 Montejo also ordered the community and provincial environment and natural resources officers to issue a notice to all advertisers to remove materials or advertisements nailed or pierced to a tree.

 Montejo added that they will be monitoring very critically those areas by noting down the names of individuals or corporations that violate the law. Those found violating will be asked to take down the materials or face charges.

It can be recalled that DENR 7 through the Ecosystems Research and Development Services has embarked on tree health monitoring and surgery, a five-step process of removing the decayed or rotten portion of the tree by applying the needed chemicals to sustain its growth. – (FREEMAN)