Council wants tree planting in 80 barangays

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council urged the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) to initiate tree planting activities in the 80 barangays.

This was after other members of the legislative body nodded to the resolution authored by Councilor Joel Garganera last April 30.

It was stated in the resolution that planting trees is a way of addressing flood problem and other environmental concerns in the city.

“WHEREAS, without trees, rain runs off soil and into rivers and streams, raising the water level as tress help keep soil in place, and their roots soak up water,” portion of the resolution stated.

That is why he sees the need to request CCENRO to initiate tree planting activities in the barangays as being the office tasked to implement policies in order to protect the environment.

“WHEREAS, the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) has the function to implement national laws and local ordinances regulating the emission or discharge of harmful substances to  the atmosphere, and water system, solid waste management policies and directives, and recommend for the apprehension of violators and abatement of pollution,” it added.

A copy of the approved resolution was copy furnished to CCENRO for information and guidance.

“WHEREAS, it is imperative for us to introduce sustainable measures to promote a healthier environment for our constituents and in preparation for the rainy season in the upcoming months,” it further stated.

CCENRO head Ma. Nida Cabrera said they already started tree planting program in the upland barangays.

In fact, there 10 nurseries established in barangays Guba, Busay, Buhisan, Toong, Tabunan, Malubog, Taptap, Adlaon, Tagbao and Sirao.

“Nagstart na last year pa. That’s why we have 10 nurseries in the upland barangays. (We have) Indigenous and fruit bearing trees,” Cabrera told The FREEMAN.

At present, among of the measures that the city government is implementing to address flood program is declogging of drainage, rivers, and creeks.

The program was dubbed as “Menos Baha Task Force” which began responding to declogging request since October 2018.

At present, the task force was composed of four teams with 60 job order workers under the supervision of the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW). (FREEMAN)