DENR 7 Stops Contractor in Talisay City Road Widening Project for Cutting 54 Trees

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has issued a cease and desist order (CDO) to a road widening contractor for cutting at least 54 trees in Sitio Camp 2, Barangay Jaclupan, Talisay City without a tree cutting permit.

The stoppage order was signed by Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Cebu City Raul Pasoc and addressed to QM Builders proprietor-manager Allan Quirante.

“I have instructed CENRO Pasoc to closely coordinate with our legal division to file the appropriate case as regards to the cutting of trees within a protected area (PA) without the necessary permits from our office,” DENR 7 Regional Director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said in a statement released to the Philippines News Agency Wednesday.

Montejo said the project is classified as an environmentally critical project (ECP) as it sits within a PA.

Montejo said an approval of the Protected Area Management Board is needed before a project starts its operation.

“We really need to strike a balance by taking into account very seriously the economic development while not compromising the environment,” he said.

The road widening project conducted by QM Builders is within a timberland area inside the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL) located at Sitio Camp 2, Barangay Jaclupan, Talisay City, Cebu.

DENR 7 personnel said at least 54 gmelina, mahogany and ficus trees were being damaged by the road widening project.

The cutting of the trees without any permit is a violation of Sections 77 and 78 of Presidential Decree 705 or the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, the DENR 7 said.

This offense is punishable by a fine of not less than PHP500 nor more than PHP20,000 and imprisoned for not less than six months nor more than two years for each such offense. (PNA) FFC/EB/PJN