DPWH project may affect 200 city trees

CEBU, Philippines - About 200 trees along streets in Cebu City may be affected by a widening and rehabilitation project of national roads proposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

In a letter to the Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Commission, DPWH applied for a special cutting or earth-balling permit for the project. The agency also requested for a “Certificate of No Objection” to support the permit.

The project is listed under the 2015 National Expenditure Program, which will be approved by the DPWH national office.

It will include widening of C. Padilla St., Carlock St. and Gov. Cuenco Avenue (from Canduman Bridge to City Jurisdiction Boundary); widening of Canduman Bridge; rehabilitation/reconstruction of Doña Modesta Gaisano St., Sudlon, Lahug; widening of Salinas Drive, Lahug; and widening of Arterial Road, N. Bacalso Ave. (from Avocado St. to Lemon St., both sides of the road).

District City Engineer Fernando Cruz said inventory is being conducted in coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office to determine the trees that may be affected.

“Rest assured that a public consultation and a proper coordination with your office and other concerned agencies regarding the removal of these trees will be strictly complied,” he said.

CCPC administrator and assistant city agriculturist Arlie Gesta said most of those that may be affected include Mahogany, Narra, Gemelina and Eucalyptus of varying species and sizes, especially along Salinas Drive near the compound of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

He said they will inspect the identified trees before the year ends after DPWH will submit its inventory report. After inspection, the commission will then decide on whether or not it will grant the requested permit and certification.

“We will come up with our own assessment and recommendation whether or not we will grant a cutting or earth-balling permit.

If makita nga unhealthy ang trees, it would be subject to sanitation cutting or neither of the two (cutting and earth balling) if dili necessary putlon or i-trim,” he told The Freeman.  (FREEMAN)