Naga mayor eyes to trim acacia trees

CEBU, Philippines - Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong wants the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Region VII to conduct a regular trimming of top-heavy trees, especially acacia trees along the national highway area, to avoid putting public lives and government and private properties at risk.

Chiong said he would like to trim branches of trees in the city after one of the century-old acacia trees fell and blocked the national highway in barangay Tinaan last month, causing a six-hour traffic jam that inconvenienced motorists and commuters alike.

There are more than 20 acacia trees along the national highway of Naga City.

While the branches of the acacia trees provide shade to pedestrians and a scenic view, Chiong feels it is more important to be proactive and prevent future accidents.

A sudden heavy rain with strong winds, brought by Tropical Storm Isang last month, was believed to have caused the fall of the acacia tree.

No one was injured and no house or vehicle was damaged.

Engr. Daisy Toledo of the Cebu Second District Engineering Office said her office has been waiting for the permit to trim the trees to arrive.

She said they will trim about 900 trees from Naga City to Carcar City that pose danger to motorists and commuters while the road-widening work is ongoing.

Toledo said the incident will serve as a warning to those who oppose the cutting of trees.

The trees were the center of controversy last year after a group of concerned citizens criticized government agencies for proposing to cut trees. (FREEMAN)