Mandaue City eyes outsourcing tree cutting services

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Government is considering outsourcing tree cutting services, particularly for dense and hazardous species such as the buri (palm) tree, citing the importance of having trained professionals on-site during the process.

“Actually, dili ni sayon ang pagputol sa buli labi na og gipalibutan ni siya og mga properties and structures,” said City Administrator Atty. Jamaal James Calipayan, emphasizing the complexity of cutting buri trees surrounded by properties.

The move comes after a tragic incident in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia, where a decayed buri tree collapsed and killed a six-year-old boy. Following the incident, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) began cutting similar trees in the area.

Calipayan noted that buri trees are particularly challenging to manage due to their size and density, posing potential risks not only to the public but also to those cutting them down.

“Kinahanglan gyud na siya og naay abilidad, technical nga kahibalo,” he added, stressing the need for skilled expertise in such operations.

Currently, the city responds to requests for tree cutting but often lacks the technical knowledge to determine if a tree is ready or safe to be cut.

“Kana need na siya og expertise nga mahibaw-an gyud og unsa ba gyud. If di ba ma technical ana if ato ra ng putlon deretso,” Calipayan said.

He further mentioned that necessary equipment for cutting trees like the buri must also be factored in. If the city proceeds with outsourcing, it may involve a full-service contract that includes both manpower and equipment.

Previously, the City Administrator’s Office had recommended outsourcing the service. However, the city’s internal resources were deemed sufficient at the time. Now, with equipment breakdowns, the city is reassessing its capacity to respond to such tasks effectively.

Calipayan also said that outsourcing wouldn’t be limited to buri trees alone but would cover any tree posing a danger to residents. He believes the move could lead to faster responses compared to the current system under CDRRMO.

Meanwhile, the city government is conducting an internal investigation to determine accountability for the delay in acting on a prior request to cut the very tree that caused the fatal accident.

Mayor Glenn Bercede earlier issued a memorandum forming a special investigation team composed of representatives from the Mayor’s Office, the City Administrator’s Office, and the City Legal Office.

Calipayan said the investigation began on Friday, April 4, 2025, with the team conducting interviews and collecting sworn statements.

“We are hoping to finish the investigation as soon as possible, perhaps by next week mag consolidate na sila sa ilang report,” he said.

He added that the CDRRMO is the first office under review, with the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO) scheduled for questioning next week.

Bercede has assured the public that those responsible for the failure to act will be held accountable, especially in light of the death of six-year-old Christian Quilaton Jr. due to the uncut tree.

The final report of the investigation team is expected to include recommendations for appropriate actions by the city. — (FREEMAN)