Mayors urged: Seek permit first before planting trees along roads

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board is urging the mayors of all the cities and municipalities in the province to prohibit the planting of trees along public roads and highways without due permits to "avoid controversy".

Under his measure, mayors are urged to check for necessary permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the local government units before they allow for the planting of trees along public roads.

The prohibition, as stated in the resolution, would avoid controversy in case a need arises for the trees be cut down for obstructing roads or to pave way for road-widening programs.

"At present, we are at the helm of controversy as the cutting of trees near the road is being questioned by environmentalists, stating that trees should be afforded protection against the cutting of trees for road development," the resolution read.

Ouano was referring to the massive public outcry not just from residents in the province of Cebu but also from concerned environmental activists from all over the country in response to a proposal to cut down trees that stand along major public roads in Naga and Carcar.

A reassessment has already been conducted to identify which trees are in dire need of cutting. From the 32 identified trees, only seven trees in Naga will be cut down.

Six stand on the carriage way and are considered as obstructions to traffic and hazard to vehicles and one is in the advanced stage of decay.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has also repeatedly clarified that trees forming the famous canopy along Barangay Perrelous in Carcar City will not be part of the clearing.

She added that there is no budget for 2020 yet for the road-widening project in that area in Carcar.

In his resolution, Ouano stressed the importance of trees for the fulfillment of the government’s mandate of ensuring a healthy ecology for the general public.

"Trees control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind, leaves absorb and filter the sun’s radiant energy, keeping things cool during the summer, the trees preserve warmth by providing a screen from harsh wind, trees provide protection for everyone," the resolution read.

Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the regional directors of DPWH-7 and DENR-7 and the mayors of the LGUs in the province. (FREEMAN)