Moratorium on tree cutting in Baguio City
Posted on: March 10, 2013
http://baguio.gov.ph/?q=content/weygan-seeks-moratorium-tree-cutting-baguio
Weygan seeks moratorium on tree cutting for Baguio
BAGUIO CITY – Councilor Philian Louise Weygan Allan is now proposing a special declaration from the president for a moratorium on the tree cutting and earthballing of Benguet Pine trees here.
Weygan Allan pushed for the resolution in the hills of an on-going fight for the survival and protection of thousands of trees found in the city which are ‘in danger’ of being transferred or cut to pave the way for development.
‘It has been reported that based on DENR records, there are at least 4,078 applications for tree cutting permits for various construction and development projects from 2002 to 2011’, She said.
‘In that same period, at least 600 trees were earthballed including 503 within the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) and Camp John Hay’, Allan added.
It can be recalled that residents of Baguio protested against the earthballing of about 182 trees in Luneta Hill for the planned expansion of SM here which resulted in public uproar bringing to the fore other areas in the city where Benguet Pine trees are also being cut or is in danger of being cut.
Weygan Allan said, ‘the city should request his Excellency President Benigno Aquino III to issue a moratorium on the cutting and earthballing of trees in the city of Baguio, except when the trees pose danger to persons and property’.
Allan said, ‘a moratorium is needed to protect further the trees which is found in areas where development is being introduced by private owners and even for government funded projects’.
Executive Order 23 or the moratorium issued by the President prohibits the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from issuing or renewing tree cutting permits in all natural and residual forests nationwide, except for clearing of road right of way by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), site preparation for tree plantations, silvicultural treatment and similar activities, provided that all logs derived from said cutting permits shall be turned over to the DENR for proper disposal.
It also allows the issuance of permits for tree cutting associated with cultural practices pursuant to the Indigenous Peoples Right Act (IPRA Law) subject to strict compliance with existing guidelines of the DENR.
‘The moratorium issued under EO 23 is only for logging, the city needs something more concrete’, She said.
‘The pronouncement of the president then to protect our city from over building is good news, Weygan Allan said.
This was also bolstered by the move of the present administration to stop the sale of government lands in Baguio City in order to protect the environment from further urban decay.
If the president issues a moratorium for Baguio, then we can protect what remains of our trees’, she stressed. ***paul rillorta
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