Task force to inspect, trim trees in Cebu City

A Cebu City task force created to check trees for safety now has its hands full.

Work begins tomorrow for the “inventory of old trees group,” said Alvin Santillana, head of the Distaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The group will prune acacia trees along Gorordo Avenue and in barangays Guadalupe and Tejero, Santillana said.

This is to minimize risks and accidents that may result from the presence of trees, shrubs and other flora in the city, he said.

The group will also come up with a map with the location of trees in the city.

“Cebu City has 120 acacia trees that needs immediate action,” said Arlie Gesta, assistant city agriculturist in an Aug. 13 meeting.

Gorordo Avenue has at least 55 acacia trees.

Cut wood will be deposited with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and donated to the Department of Education in compliance with Executive Order No. 23 issued last Feb. 1.

Santillana said his office also has to attend to 53 pending requests to cut down buri trees.

Santillana said he wants to coordinate the tree cutting with barangay officials since his office lacks personnel.

His office has only five personnel including their communications operator.

A taxi driver died when an old acacia tree fell on the jeep he was driving on Sikatuna Street last week.

Mayor Michael Rama directed Santillana to coordinate with stakeholders in the inventory of old, damaged and infected trees which may pose danger to life and property in streets, alleys, parks and other areas.

Santillana said he will coordinate with the DENR, Department of Engineering and Public Works, the city’s Parks and Playgrounds Commission, city agriculture office and utility firms in the cutting of trees. Doris C. Bongcac Chief Of Reporters