A final ‘no’ to tree removal for Iloilo City execs

ILOILO CITY—In a breath of fresh air to conservation efforts, the city council permanently shut the doors on moves to remove decades-old trees for a road-widening project.

“We are firm on our stand to oppose the removal of the trees. The road widening can continue but no trees should be removed,” said Councilor Joshua Alim, who sponsored a resolution against the plan of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to replace the trees with the royal palm species.

The council unanimously approved the recommendation of its engineering, construction and public works committee to deny an appeal of the DPWH allowing the cutting and removal of trees along General Luna Street. The 1.7-kilometer, four-lane thoroughfare stretches from the University of the Philippines Visayas campus to the Arroyo Fountain in front of the old provincial capitol.

The DPWH project, which aims to reduce traffic congestion, involves the widening of General Luna by removing about half a meter from each side of the concrete strips to widen the street to six lanes.

Public Works Regional Director Edilberto Tayao earlier said his office planned to plant royal palm trees as replacements because their roots grow downward and would not destroy the concrete pavement. Besides, he said, the old trees have become hazardous to commuters, especially during typhoons.

Environment advocates and the city council, however, have opposed the removal of the trees, refuting that these have safety risks.

Environmentalists have insisted that roads should have space for trees and pedestrians, and not only for vehicles. They have pointed out the importance of trees amid the worsening effects of climate change.

Moreover, the trees have become landmarks of the street and the city, they stressed.

“Instead of removing and replacing the trees, we will push for the planting of more tall-growing trees instead of ornamental trees along General Luna Street, which can provide shade to commuters,” Alim said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which supported the DPWH plan, had earlier directed the DPWH to secure permission from the city council before it could allow the cutting and removal of trees on a concrete strip dividing the street.