Naga heritage tree cut without cutting permit

The contractor of the Naga – Carcar road widening admitted cutting the heritage tree that was photographed by Cebu Daily News last month lying in a mound of earth along the highway in barangay Tinaan, Naga City.

Ecology lawyer and Cebu Daily News columnist Gloria Ramos said the contractor could be liable for cutting the tree without a permit.

The cutting was admitted by the contractor of the ongoing Naga road widening after last Friday’s dialogue at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

AR Adlawan project engineer Gerald Undag said they thought the acacia tree was unstable as it swayed violently when they used a vibrating compactor.

“Our vibro-compactor creates ground movement similar to an earthquake. When we used it on July 12, the dead acacia tree swayed violently, that was why we decided to cut it out of fears it might fall and cause harm,” Undag told CDN.

He however added that they consulted through phone Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project engineer Marilyn Ojeda who recommended the cutting of the tree.

“Since we don’t have a direct communication with DENR, Marilyn (Ojeda) contacted Jongjong (Felimon Embalzado, Jr.) of the DENR,” Undag said.

Embalzado is the chief of Forest Utility and Special Uses Division of DENR 7.

He confirmed  that the cut tree was among the nine certified to be “defective and hazardous.”

The certification, dated May 25, 2012 signed by Embalzado and noted by Community Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Anastacio Cabalejo, showed photos of 12 trees classified as “defective trees and considered to be hazardous.”

DENR 7 however clarified that the certification doesn’t mean the trees can already be cut because of an existing suspension on the  issuance of tree cutting permits issued by DENR undersecretary Rachel Teh.

“Without a cutting permit, the contractor can be liable together with DPWH,” said Ramos.

Ramos said the issue of cutting the heritage tree underscores the need for a clear process for government agencies to coordinate and respect the public’s right to be consulted and participate in decision making.

DENR 7 regional executive director Isabelo Montejo ordered the conduct anew of a comprehensive tree inventory to determine which trees are healthy and the ones that are sick and may need to be cut.

The environment department executive also expressed the DENR’S position to preserve the heritage trees which were planted during the time of governor Dionesio Jakosalem in 1915.

DENR said the road widening project could be diverted, making the trees part of the center island, rather than cut them or risk killing them with earthballing.

Montejo told CDN that while earth-balling is an option, old and big trees may not respond well to the process and the risk of killing the trees is high. / Jessa J. Agua, Correspondent