Affected by DPWH projects: CCENRO seeks removal of 13 trees

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) has recommended the removal of 13 trees affected by the proposed construction of by-pass and diversion roads in Barangay Guadalupe.

CCENRO requested the City Council to pass a resolution interposing no objection for the relocation of the trees. The request was referred to the Committee on Environment for review.

“None of the affected trees are considered as premium tree or specially protected under existing laws. Moreover, the CCENRO inspectors recommend the trees by removal procedures,” said CCENRO head Editha Peros.

These involve two Talisay trees, one Taloot tree, one Tamarind tree, two Acacia trees, and seven Mahogany trees. Peros said the procedure of removing the trees shall be fully undertaken by the applicant and under close monitoring and coordination by CCENRO personnel.

Yusoph Rasuman, district engineer of Cebu City District Engineering Office, asked in October last year for a permit to remove the said trees. He has 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.”

The DPWH also requested for a "Certificate of No Objection" to cut/remove the trees as prescribed under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2018-16.

DENR AO 2018-16 shall cover all applications for removal and relocation of trees for the construction of roads, bridges, flood control and other infrastructure duly certified as government projects of the DPWH. — FPL (FREEMAN)