10 dead trees ‘Seek DENR permit on planned cutting’

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Antonio Bacaltos, chairman of the committee on environmental protection, yesterday said cutting down trees requires permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

This was the advice of Bacaltos after a representative from the Office of the Mayor reported to him that they will be removing 10 dead Gemelina trees situated in front of the Talisay City Hall grounds.

According to Bacaltos, the permit to cut must be secured from the DENR before cutting down any tree even if it is located within one's own lot.

The city plans to cut down the 10 dead Gemelina trees because they already pose danger to the personnel working on the like those working for the Green Valley program.

The neophyte councilor said the dead Gemelina trees should be replaced with fruit-bearing trees that will provide better landscape and a shade near the City Hall.

Bacaltos said that prior to cutting of trees, one must secure an environmental compliance certificate conduct an assessment of the trees in terms of biodiversity, carbon sequestration potential and water storage capacity from DENR-7.

Likewise, one must also identify mitigation measures to address the negative impacts of the trees' removal.

 Another condition is that the trees and other derivable wood materials should also be turned over to the DENR at the Department of Public Works and Highways' expense for proper disposition based on existing guidelines. — (FREEMAN)