City Council okays removal of trees affected by project

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Council has interposed no objection for the removal of 13 assorted trees that will be affected by the proposed construction of by-pass and diversion roads in Barangay Guadalupe.

The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources (CCENRO) earlier made the request for the removal of two Talisay trees, one Taloot tree, one Tamarine tree, two Acacia trees, and seven Mahogany trees.

“Since the trees to be removed have a diameter exceeding 15 cm, the allowable measurement appropriate for earth-balling, the said trees shall therefore undergo the appropriate removal procedures,” read the report of the council’s committee on environment.

CCENRO head Editha Peros said none of the affected trees are considered as premium trees or especially protected under the law.

The department also said that the removal shall be undertaken by the applicant and under close monitoring and supervision by CCENRO personnel.

Last October 2021, Yusoph Rasuman, district engineer of Cebu City District Engineering Office, submitted to CCENRO the duly accomplished forms and other pertinent supporting documents as required on their Permit Application for the removal of trees along their proposed project 001: “Ensure and Reliable National Road System-Network Development-Construction of By-pass and Diversion Roads-Guadalupe-Lahug Diversion Road, Package 2, Cebu City.”

In accordance with Ordinance No. 2623 and to ensure environmental safety, preservation, and protection, the committee also recommended that after the conduct of removal procedures, a subsequent submission of seedling/sapling replacement based on the measurements or the trees to be removed shall be submitted to the CCENRO.

A report of the compliance of such and the information as to where these saplings are planted shall also be submitted by the CCENRO to the committee.

Lastly, the committee recommended that any cost/expenses to be incurred for the ball-out of the 13 trees should be shouldered by the applicant. — GMR (FREEMAN)