Agencies agree on earth-balling of S. Osmeña trees

CEBU, Philippines - Earth-balling of the remaining trees on the center island of Sergio Osmeña Boulevard may soon start after an agreement was set by various government agencies in a meeting yesterday. 

Cebu City Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera, who requested for the earth-balling of the trees, met with representatives of Department of Public Works and Highways-7, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7, WT Construction Inc., and Cebu City’s Parks and Playground yesterday.

During the meeting, all agencies agreed that DPWH will comply with the requirements set by DENR so that the Cease and Desist Order (CDO) will be lifted and that the earth-balling would start.

Last year, DENR issued the CDO which prevented the removal of the remaining trees from the center island of the boulevard. The concern was raised after 79 trees “vanished” last year.

“Naay commitment ang DPWH to follow sa requirement para ma-lift ang CDO and ang DENR sad, once naa na ang seedlings, ilang i-lift para maka-ball out nami,” Cabrera said.

Cabrera, for her part, will draft the Memorandum of Agreement between DPWH, DENR, WT Construction and the city government.

“After signing sa agreement, mohatag na ang taga-DPWH para sa seedlings para i-lift na ang CDO. Ang DPWH mo bayad sa seedlings,” she said, adding that the MOA will be submitted to the City Council for its approval next week.

DPWH will disburse at least P197,500 to fund the 7,900 seedlings, each of which is at P25, Cabrera explained. This will be incorporated under the MOA.

Cabrera said that she will also include in the MOA the replacement of the seedlings so that the CDO will be lifted.

The identified seedlings include coffee, guyabano, chikos, molave, atis, narra, among others.

“Ang seedlings adto kuhaon sa community nga gi-accredit sa DENR pareha anang naa sa Buhisan nga accredited as people’s organization kay usa ni’s ilang livelihood,” Cabrera said.

Under the MOA, the remaining 66 trees to be earth-balled will be transferred to Plaza Sugbo, Plaza Independencia and to the Senior Citizens Park while the seedlings will be planted jointly by the DPWH and the city government in barangays Adlaon, Guba, Sirao, and other upland barangays.

“Ang S. Osmeña kay wala na gyod trees bisag part unta sa design sa DPWH, and wala pa kahibaw what ibutang sa center,” Cabrera said.

The earth-balling is set after Holy Week, she added.  (FREEMAN)