Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran (Contributed)
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran on Sunday slammed the cutting of acacia trees to pave the way for a gasoline station.
“We have more than enough gas stations in Bohol. More than enough,” said Uy in a Facebook post on Monday.
“But, we are badly needing huge trees (like Acacia Trees) because of the damaging effects of global warming and climate change. The cutting of four huge Acacia Trees is a big loss not only for this generation but for many generations to come,” the prelate added.
The lot is located along CPG North Avenue or popularly known as Baguio Drive in Barangay Taloto in Tagbilaran City.
Uy called on government officials, lawmakers, businessmen, and different agencies concerned to protect the remaining trees.
“Molihok ta palihug para mapanalipdan ang gamay na lang nga mga bililhong kahoy dinhi sa ato. Hinumdoman nato nga sa pag-amping sa kinaiyahan, ato usab nga giampingan ang atong kaugalingon ug ang atong mga minahal,” he said.
(Let’s work together to protect the few precious trees here. Remember that by taking care of nature, we also take care of ourselves and our loved ones.)
Uy said the acacia trees were all grown trees when he entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in 1979.
“Therefore, if we calculate in a rough way, the age of the largest of our Acacia trees is not less than 100. Then it was cut only for a few minutes, under the orders of people. Who will not be hurt by this?” he said.
“Our law is not fair at all. The one who cuts a pagatpat (a tree growing chiefly in mangrove swamps) will be arrested, but to cut down a large acacia is not),” he added.
Uy, the 7th bishop of Tagbilaran, is spearheading a diocesan-wide tree planting activity every year.
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