Tree-cutting permit along MNR hailed

ASINGAN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Former Pangasinan congressman Mark Cojuangco yesterday hailed the issuance of a special tree-cutting and earth-balling permit issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the remaining trees along the Manila North Road (MNR) to pave the way for a government road widening project.

Cojuangco said the correct process in the issuance of the permit has been observed, noting he had been fighting for it in the last five years.

The former lawmaker said he had been praying for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to finish the tree cutting within 45 days.

He said if the tree cutting would remain unfinished within the period, the fund for the MNR road widening would be reverted back to the national coffers and would cause a delay in the completion of the project.

The tree cutting resumed on Nov. 23 after the DENR issued the permit for the trees located along Pozorrubio, Binalonan and Sison towns in the province.

Cojuangco appealed to environmentalists to help him urge the government through the DPWH to start the project as the yearend nears and the fund remained unspent.

“This is in line with the environmentalists’ wish for the trees to have their permanent positions outside the road right of way,” he said.

Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico III also welcomed the issuance of the special tree-cutting permit, saying infrastructure projects can now be undertaken in the area.