Summer capital eyes declaring Benguet pine as heritage tree

BETWEEN TREES | Baguio’s diminished pine cover includes trees standing between houses and buildings. Government environmentalists are now protecting the surviving pine trees, and have been studying even pests that destroy the sensitive species. (Photo by EV ESPIRITU / Inquirer Northern Luzon)

BAGUIO CITY, Benguet, Philippines — The Benguet pine trees have become “endangered species” due to overdevelopment, prompting the city council here to study an ordinance declaring all pine trees as “heritage trees” to preserve Baguio’s remaining woodlands.

“We are facing the sad reality that in due time we will lose all our pine trees in the name of development,” stated the proposed measure filed on July 18 by Councilor Leandro Yangot.

According to the proposed ordinance, heritage trees are entitled to special protection from various agencies, and may be cut only if they have become a “clear and present danger” to people and property.

Also at stake, it said, is the summer capital’s enduring reputation as the country’s “City of Pines.”

Only last June, the previous council had passed on second reading two measures that imposed a tree-cutting moratorium and a protection plan for the city’s pine population of over 500,000 trees, a number that was based on a recent inventory by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that was ordered by former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

Penalties

But with the new council coming on June 30, it would now be up to the new legislative body to pass them on the third reading.

Baguio also has an ordinance in the 1990s that penalizes anyone who harms pine trees, such as people using them for advertising by nailing signboards on them.

Under the proposed Baguio heritage tree ordinance, offenders will face jail time of six months or a fine of P5,000.

The measure covers all individuals, including foreigners. Government employees who hurt a pine tree or cause its destruction also face administrative sanctions.

Baguio has a total of 2.5 million trees, with only half a million classified as pines.

According to the 2019 Baguio urban carrying capacity report, Baguio’s present forest cover represents only 23 percent of the territory of the city when the ideal cover should be 30 percent to 40 percent of its land area.

—VINCENT CABREZA

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