EDITORIAL - Trees

The tragic death of that jeepney driver who got crushed by a fallen giant acacia tree in Zapatera may have been accidental. But it was an accident that could have been prevented if not for certain policies that effectively tied the hands of prudence and prevention.

It is about time the government rethinks its policies about protecting and keeping the giant trees that sporadically dot the landscape of major urban centers in the country, including Cebu City.

The reason for protecting giant urban-dwelling trees used to be rooted in environmental concerns. But that has long been overtaken by aggressive tree-planting initiatives by government, in partnership with the private sector.

The contribution of one giant urban-dwelling tree to the environment is more than made up for by the hectares upon hectares of new trees planted, which in the right place can collectively do what trees do best, than a single misplaced giant tree in the middle of a concrete jungle.

As to the aesthetics of their presence in urban centers, this can be addressed by replacing them with properly sized younger trees chosen specifically for their beauty and planted with an eye to symmetry and urban design.

To be sure, aside from the environmental and aesthetic issues, many people may have also grown emotionally attached to these giant trees. But there is always an end to everything. Sooner or later, even these trees will have to go.

Therefore, it is better to deal with that eventuality under circumstances we can control. We certainly cannot afford to remain constantly under physical threat of these trees as they slowly wither and die.

The Zapatera accident may have been a very rare incident. But the fact that it happened proves it can happen. Thus, if we are to draw positive lessons from that tragedy, maybe it is time we deal with the presence of these aging trees in an ever growing population.

Poems are made by every Tom, Dick and Harry but only God can make a tree, or so said a self-proclaimed fool once. No argument there. As to who can fell a tree, “taw-an,” theorized the tabloids. But we don’t need a “dakong tawo” to do that. Small people thinking big is enough.