Family of driver killed by acacia gets aid

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama shelled out money from his own pocket to help the family of the PUJ driver who died after he was pinned down in his seat when an almost century-old acacia tree fell on his jeepney.

Lucita Bontuyan, wife of victim Clenio Bontuyan, was at the City Hall yesterday to see the mayor and ask for assistance. Rama donated some cash but advised her to use the insurance for the jeepney, which they are supposed to have for operating the vehicle.

Rama said Bontuyan’s family will also receive burial assistance of P10,000 cash and P8,000 worth of burial services. The assistance is available to all voters in Cebu City. The Bontuyan Family lives in Barangay Talamban.

Right after the accident last August 10, Rama ordered the inventory of all old trees in Cebu City, like acacia and palm trees commonly known as “buli.” The acacia tree that fell on Bontuyan’s jeepney was almost a century old.

Yesterday, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the Parks and Playground Commission started pruning 120 acacia trees in various areas within the city. The team started at the area near the University of the Philippines - Cebu where 24 acacia trees stand.

Pruning is the trimming, or removing of the superfluous parts of the trees.

City Agriculturist Joelito Baclayon said earlier they would have to cut the big branches of the trees to lessen the weight they are carrying. He said the heavy weight of the tree contributes to its instability.

Cutting the tree, however, is not an option because such will not be allowed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Other areas where acacia trees may be found are in Gorordo Avenue starting from J.Y. to the Cebu City Police Compound and Martinez Building, along Mango Avenue, along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard from Capitol to Development Bank of the Philippines Office, Jakosalem St. and Sikatuna St., Ramos St. Redemptorist area and in R. Landon, among others. – (FREEMAN)