Subic developer vows not to cut 366 trees

MANILA, Philippines - A Korean casino-hotel investor at the Subic Freeport promised yesterday to save 366 centuries-old trees by incorporating them in its site development plans.

Korean Eric Park, manager of Grand Utopia Corp., told the House committee on bases conversion that his company would no longer cut the trees.

He agreed to the suggestion of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. that the trees be made part of the casino-hotel development complex.

“Yes, your honor, we could alter the development plan as long as we are allowed to pursue this project,” he said.

Architect Felino Palafox Jr., who earlier revealed that the investor would cut trees with the consent of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, said it is possible for the architectural and development plans to be revised to save the trees, many of them endangered species. – Jess Diaz