In a hurry for opening?: Trees earth-balled sans DENR permit

CEBU, Philippines - The contractor of the just opened SM Seaside at the South Road Properties has earth-balled five narra trees even before it secured a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DENR 7-Forester Felimon Embalzado said the contractor has applied for a permit, which is still being processed by their central office in Manila.

“Naka-forward na ta og communication ngadto sa central office for clearance about five trees. But unluckily, gahapon naka-received sad mi og report nga giputol na daw, gikuha na daw sa SM (ang mga kahoy) bisan wala pa makuha ang clearance or issuance sa cutting permit,” he said.

Embalzado, however, clarified that the contractor did not cut but earth-balled the trees, which were still small, with the biggest trunk measuring 15 cm in diameter.

He said an investigating body from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office is still looking into the report and has not yet sent its feedback.

DENR-7 Licenses, Patents & Deeds Chief  Ma. Clea Arceño said CENRO has already sent the other day a letter asking the contractor for an explanation and a report on the earth-balled trees.

She said they already sent to Manila the contractor’s permit application but their central office has not yet issued any approval.

Presidential Decree No. 953 imposes a fine P500 to P5,000 and/or imprisonment of six months to two years for the unauthorized cutting or destruction of trees.

Meanwhile, as to the planned earth-balling of trees in the center island of John Paul II Avenue in Mabolo, Cebu City, Arceño said the city government still lacked three requirements, namely a certificate of no objection (issued by the concerned barangay), public consultation (attended by stakeholders), and submission of the minutes of the public consultation.

The city wanted to remove the island and the trees as part of preparations for January next year’s 51st International Eucharistic Congress, where an estimated 15,000 people from around the world are expected to attend. — (FREEMAN)