Council okays removal 5 mahogany trees in Guadalupe

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has approved the removal of five mahogany trees in Sitio Tugas 1, Barangay Guadalupe.

A certain Ma. Felina Fernandez requested for the removal of the trees as they posed danger to the residents and the general public.

Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) head Editha Peros said that none of the affected trees are considered as premium trees or especially protected under the law.

CCENRO also approved and recommended the removal of the trees by removal procedures provided that it shall be undertaken by the applicant and under close monitoring and supervision by CCENRO personnel.

The committee said that since the trees to be removed have a diameter exceeding 15 cm, the allowable measurement appropriate for earth-balling, the said trees shall therefore undergo the appropriate removal procedures.

“In accordance with Ordinance No. 2623 and to ensure environmental safety, preservation, and protection, this Committee also recommends that after the conduct of removal procedures, a subsequent submission of seedling/sapling replacement based on the measurements of the trees to be removed shall be submitted to the CCENRO,” read the Committee on Environment’s report.

A report of the compliance of such and the information as to where these saplings are planted shall also be submitted by the CCENRO to the Committee on Environment.

The committee further recommended that any cost/expenses to be incurred for the ball-out of the said trees should be shouldered by the applicant.

“Therefore, this Committee interposes no objection for the removal of the said trees, subject to the aforementioned conditions,” read the committee report. – GMR (FREEMAN)