DPWH to replace ‘missing’ trees

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways has committed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that they will replace the trees that went ‘missing’ earlier this year along S. Osmeña Boulevard.

DPWH-7 regional director Ador Canlas told reporters that they are doing this for the sake of lifting the cease and desist order following the puzzling disappearance of 79 full-grown trees lined up at the center island along S. Osmeña Boulevard.

“We have come to an agreement that we will be replacing the 79 trees that were gone,” Canlas said.

But DPWH-7 lawyer Brando Rey Raya was quick to clarify that agreeing to the replacement of the trees “does not mean admission” to cutting and transporting the trees but is aimed to comply with the conditions set by DENR for the lifting of the CDO.

Capitol’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has pledged to provide the needed seedlings.

As agreed in a meeting held at the DPWH-7 office at South Road Properties, mangroves will replace those that ‘disappeared’ which were mostly fire trees and other prime wood species.

PENRO, Canlas added, assured them that they will give 8,000 saplings, 100 over the mandated 7,900 replacement computed using the 1:100 formula, which means 100 trees must be planted in replacement for one tree cut or earth-balled.

Forest Management Services regional technical director Eduardo Inting said they may lift the CDO after the tree replacement planting but they cannot withdraw the charges pressed against the contractor, WT Construction.

In April, DENR filed charges against WT Construction for violating Presidential Decree Number 953 or requiring the Planting of Trees in Certain Places and Penalizing Unauthorized Cutting, Destruction, Damaging and Injuring of Certain Trees and Vegetation.

WT Construction was the contractor for the road rehabilitation project undertaken by DPWH.

“We can lift the CDO but the case continues. That’s very clear,” Inting said.

DENR filed charges against WTCI president Irene Te, vice president Willy Te, secretary Julie Te, treasurer Juanita Te, Mary Grace Te, Mary Joy Te, and project engineer Adolfo Quiroga. — (FREEMAN)