17 trees to be moved to let mall finish construction

CEBU, Philippines – At least 17 trees near a newly-constructed mall in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, will have to be moved to give way for the completion of an ongoing site development.

Their final destination will be known once approval has been finalized.

The Tejero Barangay Council recently allowed the project head of Robinsons Galleria Cebu to earth ball the trees planted within the site’s perimeter for the proposed construction of the mall’s entrance and exit.

The decision was supported through the approved resolution dated September 7, 2015, “interposing no objection” to transfer the trees from Serging Osmeña Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue and Benedicto Street to another suitable site.

“This body firmly believes that if ever the project will be undertaken and completed, there will be job opportunities and employment in the community or barangay for our constituents and the area will also beautify, hence most advantageous to (Tejero residents) and (Cebu City Government),” read a portion of the two-page resolution.

The barangay council granted the mall’s project handlers the approval of No Objection for the Relocation of Trees to pave for the construction’s smooth accomplishment given that the removal of the trees was upon the recommendation of the Cebu City Commission on Parks and Playgrounds.

The Tejero officials received a letter from Engineer Manny Mendoza, the area manager of Constech Management Group, Inc., informing them that they are on the brink of constructing the development plan on the periphery of the mall.   Project architect Jaypee Allege of Constech Management Group, Inc. said they have scheduled to complete its construction at the end of September or early October this year.

“However, we have observed that there are trees which may obstruct the proposed [entrance and exit] from and to our property along its perimeter which would entail relocation of trees… we are coordinating with your good office with regards to this concern as we are committed to preserve, protect and promulgate the significance of nature,” said Allege in the September 3 letter addressed to Tejero Barangay Captain Jessilou Cadungog.

It was also noted in the letter that the concern was already directed to the parks commission, City Community Environment and Natural Resources Office and City Planning and Development Office and others concerned.

The concerned offices conducted a joint site inspection last August 28, 2015. Further, the project handlers were suggested to earth ball the trees along the project’s periphery and other trees recommended by the parks commission and CENRO.

Earth balling is the process of transferring from one location to another a tree or vegetation that has grown past its seedling stage. Balls of earth are used to make sure its roots never run out of nutrients.

After the inspection, the project handlers were then instructed to seek the endorsement from the barangay officials concerned as a requirement to transfer the trees.

Barangay Tejero Councilman Garry Lao, who moved to approve the resolution, said the mall’s management had a meeting with the barangay officials last week to discuss the concerns of both parties.

The management reportedly voiced concerns on ambulant vendors who might be at risk with the heavy equipments operating in the ongoing construction at the area.

Lao said the barangay officials requested the security operations head, also in charge of hiring employees for the grocery department, to prioritize in employing the barangay’s residents. The grocery section of the mall is expected to open on October 21.

He added the officials will hand over to the management a written communication for their formal request: to initiate the “Adopt a Tejero Program” for the prioritized job opportunities for their residents; to meet with the security agency ensuring safety measures on the area and to assure that the management will follow the proper waste management and not affect the nearby Tejero Creek.

Just recently, 15 trees were marked for earth balling along Pope John Paul Avenue, but the CENRO said only three were fit to be moved. — /BRP (FREEMAN)