Heartbreaking outcome for lone tree campaigner

September 28.

I had just sent a copy of my Freeman article entitled Help stop tree cutting in Carcar to Dr. Ernesto Miitante, our tree doctor/pathologist, advocate and partner, now residing in Tacloban, Leyte.

Doctor Militante is a retired Professor of the University of Los Banos where he studied Forest Pathology. He completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at the University of Idaho, USA.

Doc M’s prompt reply: “They have permit to cut, as simple as that.”

He continued: “Here in Tacloban, same thing is happening. Trees are dying due to improper handling. Hope the big narra tree be saved- it is scheduled for cutting to give way for traffic lights? Sayang”

Me: “Doc M. Pls take a photo of that big narra tree para try natin all i save?”

Doc M. “Will do...Perhaps write or call the mayor or denr...will send the photo asap”.

He next sent a photo of the solitary Narra tree in Caibaan Road, Tacloban City with this post:

"I am about 60 years old, diameter 50 cm. I withstood, survived typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. Had unselfishly evolved oxygen and absorbed air pollutants. I lived happy, until this second road widening.

I am haunted by the plan to kill me based on the permit issued by DENR. I ask the authorities to save/spare me. The bird planted me and God nurtured me.”

Doc M added:

“As a tree specialist, I can ascertain that this narra is healthy. It can be spared, pruned and maintained properly. Respect nature and His/God’s Creation. Please share to others.”

To readers who supported his call, Doc M replied: “my concern is, cutting is not an alternative. Trees have always to give way, the victim. Should practice proper tree care and maintenance.”

A reader’s reaction: “Most people in governments and corporations have no respect for nature. These trees should have been avoided when they built the roads. Humans have only one life to live but plants and trees will keep on sprouting”

September 29.

Doc M. posted a photo with two innocent birds up in the Narra tree.

Doc M: “Sadlly, as I was assessing the tree yesterday there are birds, husband and wife, enjoying their time, without knowing that their home maybe cut anytime. I already communicated with our beloved Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

September 30. I shared with Doc M our photos/videos of some cut trees as we passed through Carcar.” The poor trees,” I wrote.

Doc M replied: “We will experience hotter/higher temperature and more polluted environment as more trees are being cut.

October 17 p.m.

Doc M posted: the narra tree was top pruned in preparation for cutting.

October 18 at 10:05 AM ·

“Few weeks ago, I raised my concern, my request to officials to save the tree. It seems though that they will proceed with the cutting. With a heavy heart as a forester pathologist, I am visiting this tree, hopefully not for the last time. Even if pruned now in preparation for cutting, this narra tree, our national tree can still be saved.”

Not long after that post, Doc M posted:

October 18. The tree was cut.

October 23, Monday.

Doc M’s sad news; “Regarding my request to save the narra tree, I have good and bad news.

The Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudioñ, promptly issued a memo to PENRO to hold/ reassess the cutting of the tree.

Despite this memo, they promptly cut the tree on October 18. I wish to see the PENRO. I need your advice.

I may have lost this battle, but I won many hearts.

Today we are dealing with people with hardened heart, corrupt...to say the least.

We lost in the battlefield but we are winning many hearts, for the next generation.”

Mabuhay po kayo, Doc M!

Let us join Doc M save trees!