Baguio council seeks to protect pine trees

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city council of Baguio has approved on first reading a measure seeking to declare all pine trees in the city as “heritage and protected trees.”

The measure, filed by Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr., covers the entire city without prejudice to other administrative, civil or criminal offenses that may be filed against violators.

If the measure is approved, violators will face a fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of six months or both, at the discretion of the court.

If the violator is a juridical entity, the managing officers and other persons responsible for the offense should be held liable.

If the violator is a foreigner, he will be subjected to national laws and procedures on deportation after serving his sentence, the proposal said.

If the violator is a local official or employee, the city government may institute administrative proceedings without prejudice to the rights of any affected person.

The pine trees may be cut or removed only in heavily meritorious cases such as when the trees pose a danger to life and property, the proposal said.

Once approved, the city mayor, in coordination with the local environment and parks management office, should monitor and formulate guidelines necessary for the implementation of the ordinance.  – Artemio Dumlao

“Such proposal was prompted by the reality Baguio is facing that in due time, it will lose all the pine trees and its titles as the City of Pines and the Pine Tree Capital of the Philippines,” the measure said.

Citing studies, Yangot said pine trees prevent landslides and soil erosion and should therefore be protected and preserved.