DENR7 Orders to Cut 50 Trees Along the South Highway

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has finally decided to cut 41 old trees planted along the roadside of the national highway in the municipality of San Fernando and 10 at the City of Naga.

This was disclosed Tuesday by DENR Information Officer Dr. Eddie Llamedo during the the AGIO Forum at the Golden Valley Hotel, near the University of San Carlos along Pelaez Street, Cebu City.

Llamedo said three of the 41 trees in San Fernando destined for cutting are century old acasia trees, while the 39 are assorted of good lumber trees.

He said the 10 old trees in Naga City are also assorted good lumber trees whose life span was under 50 years old bracket.

The order of the cutting was made after several assessments was conducted by the DENR.

Base on pertinent laws, the DENR is entrusted by the government to decide the fate of the trees especially when it is planted along the area which might endanger lives and properties.

“That’s why after examining and thorough assessment and evaluation was made by DENR on the number of trees along the national highway, and all were found to have defective branches and body posing danger to all people and transportation services, we decided to cut all of them”, Llamedo said.

But because they have no tools, like chainsaw and other cutting equipment, they directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to do the cutting, Llamedo added.

However, after the order was given, the DPWH said they are just waiting for the DPWH to implement the order.

Earlier, the DPWH officials in charge on the road widening project implemented along the said national highway between the city of Naga and Carcar city, have left the said trees to stand while concreting the back portion bordering the road gutter, to avoid controversy with the DENR.

Earlier, incidents have manifested when DPWH have decided to cut all trees that disturbs its road-widening projects but ended at the court when they were sued by the DENR.

But according to Llamedo, as long as proper decorum is followed, like asking permission with the DENR office before making actions against any trees, court actions can be avoided especially when the purpose of cleaning those trees are for the welfare of the people and state,” he added.