Acacia trees issue DENR suggests 2 new experts

CEBU, Philippines -  The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has recommended the names of two tree pathologists to validate initial results on the health assessment of the trees lining up the southern Cebu corridor.

The trees were earlier diagnosed as diseased and needed to be cut so as to prevent a repeat of past accidents where the tree fell on passing vehicles.

The move, however, was being opposed by environmental groups.

The two experts were identified as Dr. Ernesto P. Militante and Professor Mutya Q. Manalo, both affiliated with the University of the Philippines Los Baños campus.

The naming of the two experts was based on a memorandum issued by DENR Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau Director Portia Lapitan addressed to Central Visayas DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo and Regional Technical Director for Research Emma Melana.

“Rest assured that their expertise will aid in your goal to come up with a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation. They will submit their detailed curriculum vitae for your perusal,” said Lapitan in the memorandum dated Militante is a retired forest pathologist and professor in the September 10.

Militante is a retired forest pathologist and professor of the UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Manalo, on the other hand, is currently a forest pathology professor in the same school.

DENR-7 Spokesperson Eddie Llamedo, however, stressed that Militante and Manalo are still subject for approval by environment groups such as the Movement for a Livable Cebu and the Philippine Earth Justice Center, as agreed in a dialogue at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

DENR foresters earlier found out that a number of trees in the City of Naga, San Fernando town, and Carcar City to be “diseased” and hazardous and pose danger to passing commuters and pedestrians.

Concerned groups raised their objections to what the foresters said and commissioned tree expert Dr. Roger Guzman.

But since results of Guzman’s investigation were “not conclusive,” as admitted by the tree expert himself, a dialogue facilitated by the provincial government was held, wherein it was agreed that tree pathologists would be tapped next.— (FREEMAN)