City to spend P.5M to cut down "dangerous" trees

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government plans to spend half a million pesos to cut down 22 giant palm trees, locally known as “Buli”, in 13 barangays in the city to ensure the safety of the people living near these gigantic trees.

“Dakua god nga budget pagputol lang og buli,” said Lahug resident Nicolas Lauron when he was asked by The FREEMAN of the city’s budget of P20,000 to P30,000 just for one palm tree.

Santiago Aguilos of sitio Kaimito, barangay Lorega-San Miguel, said he only accepted P4,000 as payment when he cut down a giant palm tree in barangay Zapatera two years ago.

The city has decided to help the barangays in cutting down giant palm trees in their areas because it will endanger the lives of the people living within its surroundings.

Councilors Gerardo Carillo, Jose Daluz III, Nestor Archival and Arsenio Pacaña said the city will appropriate amounts ranging from P20,000 to P30,000 for each palm trees, depending on its size and height.

The city has appropriated P30,000 for each palm trees that will be cut down in sitio Nangka, barangay Luz; sitio Magtalisay, Mabolo; near the barangay hall of Mambaling; and beside the Aderan Hotel in barangay Lahug.

It will also spend P40,000 for the two Buli trees in Tres de Abril corner Jabonero streets in barangay Labangon; P50,000 for the two palm trees in Espina Compound in barangay Guadalupe; P70,000 for three palm trees in A. Lopez Street and V. Rama Avenue in Guadalupe; P25,000 for the two Buli trees in sitio Saceda in Calamba.

Carillo said P40,000 will be spent to cut down two palm trees in Filwood lumber and Fatima Street in barangay Duljo-Fatima; P50,000 for the two trees in Upper Tabucanal, Pardo; P65,000 for the three Buli trees along Ranudo Street in barangay Cogon-Ramos, and P40,000 for two palm trees in sitio Bamboo in Basak-Pardo and another one in Sampaguita Street in Capitol Site. — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)