Students assail move to cut UP trees

CEBU, Philippines - Some students of the University of the Philippines-Cebu are opposing the plan of the school to cut about 10 trees to pave way for a building.

 UP Environment and Health Head Representative Maynard Villacarlos said the school should plant and protect trees instead of cutting them.

The campaign #savenotshave has been launched online to stop the proposed cutting of trees.

A consultation on the matter was organized yesterday but Villacarlos said only about 10 students showed up.

He said that based on the initial feedback they have gathered from the students, most of them want quality and accessible education but not at the expense of the environment.

He said it would be better if the school construct the building at another location on campus.

DENR spokesperson Eddie Llamedo confirmed that UP-Cebu Dean Liza Corro sent a letter on August 12 to the Community Environment and Natural Resources requesting permission to cut trees inside UP campus.

Based on the letter, the cutting of trees will pave the way for the construction of a building for the high school department, which will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The request is the primary basis and pre-requisite for the conduct of an inventory or inspection to determine what species of trees will be affected and how many will be cut.

Citing the data of the Community Environment and Natural Resources, Llamedo said at least seven trees with a total volume of 8.13 cubic meters will be affected by the project, including three fire trees, ipil-ipil, acacia, and two lanete.

The height of the trees ranges from eight to 10 meters.

Lacking documents

CENRO- Cebu City Raul Pasoc, in an August 24 letter, directed the UP administration to submit documents to support the request.

These include photos of trees to be removed, the Site Development Plan, clearances or certifications from the UP President, as well as a certification from the council of Barangay Lahug interposing no objection to the project.

A “genuine” public consultation with participation of environmental groups and other concerned sectors is also required.

As of yesterday, Llamedo said the school administration has yet to comply with the requirements.

“They cannot touch or cut the trees unless a special tree cutting permit is issued by our regional director Isabelo Montejo after a clearance is obtained from DENR Undersecretary for field operations,” he added.  (FREEMAN)