City clears Gorordo of tree branches

CEBU, Philippines - The city government has cut down the branches of Acacia trees that draped over the stretch of Gorordo Avenue, among which are those fronting the University of the Philippines. 

The branches of the more than 100 Acacia trees provided shade to pedestrians and a scenic view but City Hall feels it is more important to be proactive and prevent future accidents.

Mayor Michael Rama formed a team that would trim branches of trees in the city after a century- old Acacia tree fell upon a passenger jeepney in front of the Zapatera Elementary School two months ago. The jeepney’s driver was pinned down and killed in the freak accident.

The task force is being headed by Alvin Santillana of the City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC).

With no branches that cover light from street lamps, Gorordo Avenue have become brighter at night, but this does not exactly suit well with all pedestrians.

“Nindot man usab tan-awon kadtong dunay mga dahon sa kahoy nga mag-ambo sa karsada,” said Rommel Valiente of Barangay Apas.

Cebu City agriculturist Joelito Baclayon earlier said there are 123 giant trees in the city that are located beside the roads.

Some of these trees are located beside the houses and buildings, including the one in front of the house of Cebu City South district Rep. Antonio Cuenco, which was also trimmed down by the task force.

Indiscriminate Cutting

As the task force pursues its job, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday warned the public of indiscriminate cutting down of trees.

DENR said two men are now behind bars for violating Republic Act 9486 or the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) Act. Timeoteo Borres, 50, and Richard Borres, 18, were arrested after they were caught in the act of cutting and gathering trees without permit and collecting by-products derived within a protected area in Sitio Kuagtingon, Barangay Sudlon II.

DENR spokesperson Eduardo Llamedo said the two individuals who were detained on September 27, 2011. They were arrested by a team composed of CCPL Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Ariel Rica and Kantipla Ecosytem Enhancement and Protection (KEEP) Foundation Project-in-Charge Cristituto Ruasa.

Llamedo said there a total of 36,509.30 board feet of mahogany, gemelina, iba-iba, molave and other indigenous tree species with a market value of PhP 886,699 were cut down. (FREEMAN)