Ocampo in his privileged speech during Tuesday’s regular session of the 20th Davao City Council said that some Dabawenyos including Secretary Mabel Sunga Acosta of the Mindanao Development Authority have expressed their concerns about the removal of the trees.
“This representation needs to look into this matter since we all know how important trees are in our community in this day and age taking into consideration the importance of these trees in mitigating climate change and lowering the impact of global warming in the city,” according to Ocampo.
He said cutting trees could take only for a few minutes, but its effect on the environment is long-lasting.
“Further, planting and growing trees takes a while, hence, we have to assess and weigh carefully the advantages and disadvantages before proceeding in cutting them down,” he said.
Ocampo cited the recent trees cutting near Davao City Overland Transport Terminal (DCOTT), which he said, the issuance of permit to cut was duly supported by a Barangay Resolution interposing no objection to the cutting of three trees.
In the said resolution, Ocampo said these trees are duly inspected with their findings and recommendation to cut the same for public safety and security as the trunks tend to blow down during strong winds which may take place anytime. These trees, according to Ocampo are hazardous, with the branches extended to the concrete building, while the roots are slowly destroying the concrete structure.
“Given the aforementioned circumstances, we are not dismissing the issue for the application of the permit to cut them when legal process was followed or when necessary in times of extreme emergency in order to save lives,” he said.
However, in a separate report filed by the City Environment and Natural Resources, they recommended that there is no need for the trees to be cut but only trimming were needed because it does not pose danger to the people and structures in the area.
“We have to be cautious and prudent in cutting our trees, since such activity has impacted negatively against climate change,” he further said.
Davao City passed Ordinance No. 0784-21, Series of 2021, otherwise known as the “Trees Protection Ordinance of Davao City.”
The ordinance recognizes the importance of trees in addressing climate change and values the historical importance of heritage trees as an icon of the city.
This also values the ecological benefits of trees which would benefit the future generations.
Under the said ordinance, even to those not classified as heritage and protected non- heritage trees, the public must also be cautious and balanced for the interest of those affected.
“We may not be able to go back in time and restore the cut trees, but we can work together to protect and preserve these trees for us and the generations to come by strengthening the implementation of our laws, especially the “Trees Protection Ordinance,” he said.