DPWH wants more talks before cutting Naga trees

CEBU, Philippines - A thorough discussion is needed before any tree would be cut in Naga City.

This was the statement of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 yesterday despite last week’s agreement that hazardous century-old trees in the city would have to be cut starting this week because they pose danger to the people.

Both DPWH 7 Director Ador Canlas and agency spokesperson Marie Nillama told The Freeman DPWH would have to speak thoroughly with DENR first. No one from DPWH showed up during last week’s technical conference at the DENR.

In a letter signed by Canlas addressed to DENR 7 Executive Director Isabelo, DPWH reiterated its intention to waive the condition that 100 trees have to be planted for every tree earth-balled or cut.

“Please note that while this Office welcomes said development, it would, however, like to reiterate that this Office cannot proceed with the tree cutting as the conditions stated therein are very difficult for this Office to accomplish,” Canlas’ letter reads.

“Unfortunately, however, this Office does not only have the funds to acquire the replacement trees, which notably is quite numerous considering the number of trees covered, but also, it does not have manpower and expertise to carry out the requirement that it maintain and protect the transplanted trees for a period of at least three (3) years. Needless to state, without the required manpower and expertise, this Office would most probably be further liavle to provide more replacement trees,” the letter reads further.

Yesterday, DENR endorsed the issuance of a clearance to expedite the cutting of hazardous trees in San Fernando town.

DENR spokesperson Eddie Llamedo said, “We tried to fast track everything before the cutting like the inventory, clearance and cutting over Naga City trees…. DENR Usec for field operations Demetrio Ignacio, Jr., in a text message to Montejo, indicated to process and release the clearance ASAP. It’s now up to the DPWH and the LGUs to implement the actual cutting.”

Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the city will assist in the cutting of trees. Just like DENR, he also emphasized that the operation needs to be led by DPWH as the special permit was issued to the agency.

Option

Llamedo said they are exploring the possibility for the Naga City government and the provincial government to lead the “sanitation cutting” of seven century-old Acacia trees.

DENR sent letters to both Chiong and Governor Hilario Davide III strongly urging them to take the lead.

“As articulated in the inventory, about seven century-old acacia trees with more than 100 centimeters in diameter should be immediately cut down as they pose imminent danger to life and property.  Most of the trees have incurred an advanced stage of decay on its basal portion, branch and trunk, among others,” Montejo said in a letter addressed to Chiong.

The tree health monitoring and assessment on the defective or diseased roadside trees in Naga City was undertaken by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Cebu City led by forester Filemon Embalzado Jr.

 “Considering the extreme urgency of the situation of these trees as they pose danger to public safety with the collective intention to lessen chances of damage to properties, casualties or injuries that may result from accidental fall of any trees or any of its branches, the immediate cutting of these seven century-old acacia trees has now been cleared by DENR 7,” the letter reads further.

Cutting was supposed to start yesterday until July 30, 2014 as agreed in the meeting attended by representatives from Naga City and San Fernando, Philippine Earth Justice Center, and the members of the media.

Similarly, DENR 7 requested Davide yesterday to provide the necessary support and assistance to Naga City in removing the trees through the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

DENR 7 likewise sent out a letter to the Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Office, and Visayan Electric Company last July 25 to provide the needed support and assistance implementing the cutting and clearing operations.

Forest Management Services regional technical director Eduardo Inting invoked the joint memorandum circular number 1 signed July 3 this year at the national level by DENR, DPWH and Department of Social Welfare and Development sealing the tri-agency partnership on the Tree Replacement Project.  (FREEMAN)