Rama: Transfer of trees in Mabolo to proceed

CEBU, Philippines - The earth-balling of 13 trees along Pope John Paul II Avenue in Cebu City will push through now that the 51st International Eucharistic Congress is over, Mayor Michael Rama said yesterday.

Rama said he is disappointed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 for its alleged slow action in approving the city’s request for the project.

“It’s already a real problem when you bring and let all (vehicles) to be passing San Jose dela Montaña (now Pope John Paul II Avenue),” the mayor told reporters.

The city has received a letter from DENR-7 Director Isabelo Montejo endorsing the city's request to the central office of the DENR- Forest Management Bureau (FMB). In his December 7 letter, Montejo requested the head of the DENR-FMB for clearance to issue the permit to the city government.

These trees are mahogany and fire trees planted along portions of the center island specifically those from the corner of Archbishop Reyes Avenue to Cardinal Rosales Avenue.

Rama’s plan of earth-balling the trees was opened to the public since last year when the city hosted several meetings of the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Rama said removing portions of the center island in Pope John Paul II Avenue will help ease traffic in the area, he said.

I do not know why DENR is not coming out with quick and helping and cooperation. Why so much technical requirements when we are talking now of serving the general welfare in effect reducing problem and not completely addressing the traffic congestion,” Rama said, adding, that “too much of centralization” would prolong the process.

Even after the international events, Rama said he wants to push through with the earth-balling of trees.

“Remember that when we had the IEC, we closed San Jose dela Montaña (Pope John Paul II Avenue) in certain hours because we have no schools during the IEC. So, unless there are no school. But, we are talking of back to normal. There is no IEC and I am pretty sure that that area will become a funnel,” he said.

Pending approval from the DENR central office, Rama said he is eyeing at opening a road from Barangay Kasambagan’s Cabahug road to connect to the Banilad-Talamban corridor so that fewer vehicles will use Pope John Paul II Avenue.

He appointed Public Information Officer Supervisor Jojo Labella to head the study for future road lot acquisition and the road opening with the people of Cebu City Transportation Office.

Rama said he will set a meeting with stakeholders involved on the plan to decongest traffic in the area.

He said Vice President Jejomar Binay told him he would decentralize the process that would allow regional offices to approve projects of local government units within its jurisdiction.

Sought for comment, CCTO Executive Director Rey Gealon said the office has received the registered-mail copy of Montejo’s communication last January 25.

“Had we received it earlier, the city could have undertaken this endeavor and consequently, ease the traffic of vehicles there, especially buses in their entry to and exit from the IEC Pavilion,” he said.

Gealon said the removal of the portions of the center island could help address the problem of Ceres buses in maneuvering simultaneously to and from the Pavilion due to the narrowness of the road in both directions of Pope John Paul II Avenue.

He said the whole stretch is not purposely for buses or trucks. — (FREEMAN)