Dumaguete undertakes trees’ preservation project

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines -– These trees have been around for decades, some even for centuries, but their numbers are dwindling in Dumaguete City, especially at the landmark Rizal Boulevard and the ageless Quezon Park.

However, the DENR in its assessment conducted since September last year showed the need to rehabilitate these trees, mostly pine and acacia, by embarking on a project to preserve and protect the remaining trees in these public places, according to City Tourism Officer Jacqueline Veloso Antonio.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, City Hall employees involved in the pruning and care of these trees attended a “Training on Modern Techniques of Tree Health Management in An Urban Environment,” conducted by the DENR.

City Public Information Officer Dems Rey Demecillo said representatives from the Environment and Natural Resources Office, the City Agriculture Office, the Liga Ng Mga Barangay, the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative, the Foundation University, and the Silliman University also attended the training-workshop.

Joselito Sumabat of the DENR-Region 7 said participants were taught techniques in natural target pruning, improved tree surgery, tree injection and basal application of tree fertilizer, as well as promote awareness and understanding on the importance of urban tree health management.

Recommendations were later made for the planting of trees to replace the ones that were previously uprooted by typhoons and those cut down for public safety, said Demecillo. The City Tourism Office will also install proper steel poles for the spotlights and electrical planks attached to the trees that will be removed soon, he added. (FREEMAN)