QC to replace trees felled by Glenda

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista has ordered a massive tree planting activity in the city to replace trees felled by Typhoon Glenda earlier this month.

During a recent executive meeting of local government officials, Bautista directed parks development administration department chief Zaldy dela Rosa to look for half-grown trees from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other possible sources.

The mayor said several trees in the city were uprooted during the onslaught of Glenda.

He ordered the Barangay Operations Center to issue a memorandum directing the city’s barangays to supervise the maintenance and care of the newly-planted trees.

Bautista also instructed officials to undertake a trimming operation to save the damaged trees, particularly along the sidewalks.

Earlier, Bautista said the city should look into the possibility of putting underground electricity cables to avoid power interruption.

He said he would ask the city council to enact a measure that will require the power sector to use underground cables to minimize power outage during heavy downpour.

The mayor noted that electricity providers, such as the Manila Electric Co. in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, stop their services during typhoon.

He said the use of underground cables may be a good solution to prevent power outages.

Bautista admitted that his proposal requires a huge amount of investment, but he is hoping that a five to 10-year development plan will be created as soon as possible.