Cebu City listing number of trees to protect them

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government is currently conducting an inventory of trees so it could better take care of them.

City Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera said the inventory started last August and is expected to end next month. The initiative is in line with the preparation for a proposed measure she is currently drafting entitled “Cebu City Tree Conservation and Preservation Ordinance.”

“Ang nahitabo man gud sa (What happened to the) S. Osmeña (Boulevard) center island (trees) nato maoy nag-push gyod nako (was what pushed me) to move because we have to protect and conserve our trees. Sa kaning proposed ordinance, it will help in formulating policies on trees conservation and preservation,” she said.

The tree at S. Osmeña Boulevard, which is being repaired, could no longer be accounted for after they went “missing” last April. The city has since sued the Department of Public Works and Highways and the contractor over the loss of the trees.

Cabrera, the City Council committee on environment head, said there is a need to for proper management of trees, particularly in trimming them.

“Part sa proposed ordinance ang ideal na gitas-on sa kahoy to maintain sa iyang balance para dili mahulog nga hazardous siya,” she said.

“Sa laing country man gud there’s a technology nga ilang i-employ para dili ma-hazardous ang trees,” she added.

Cabrera said they are still coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in identifying ideal trees to be planted along roadsides.

Cabrera said 1,410 trees have so far been identified in parks and center islands of the city.

“Humana man ta sa (We are through with) parks and center islands, so naa napod mi karon sa (we are now doing inventory of trees in) sidewalks, mga public schools and (near) buildings,” she said.

“Mas maayo pod mo-volunteer ang private institutions (on the number of trees in their locations).  Dili man gud ta maka-regulate nila,” she added. (FREEMAN)