Nineteen trees have been proposed for cutting as part of the development of a 3,600-square-meter Agri-Eco Park in Barangay Ibabao-Estancia, although the Mandaue City Council said the trees cannot be removed without the required permits and clearances.
The council approved a resolution expressing no objection to the proposed cutting and earth-balling of trees at the site and supporting the processing of the necessary permits.
The resolution does not serve as a tree-cutting permit or authorize the immediate removal of the trees.
The project must first secure the appropriate permits and clearances from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other concerned agencies before any cutting, removal or earth-balling activities can proceed.
Councilor Carlo Fortuna, author of the measure, said the city will prioritize preserving and relocating trees whenever possible.
“Definitely, we will go through the process with DENR in getting the permit,” Fortuna said.
Based on a report submitted to the council, 19 assorted trees are proposed for cutting while 12 others have been identified for earth-balling as part of the project.
The report also directed that 23 Foxtail Palms and one Traveller’s Palm identified by the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office be earth-balled and relocated as soon as practicable, subject to DENR requirements.
Fortuna said earth-balling would allow most of the affected trees to be transferred and preserved.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said the city is still awaiting MCENRO’s assessment and recommendations on the trees marked in the area.
Ouano said trees that are not endangered may be considered for cutting, while those identified by MCENRO will first be assessed for possible relocation or retention within the site.
The Agri-Eco Park will transform an existing nursery area into an open public space for Mandaue residents. A private company will undertake the development at no cost to the city government.
The property is owned by the Department of Agriculture and is covered by a usufruct arrangement.
Ouano said the project will give residents an additional public space where they can walk, run and spend time outdoors. He said Mandaue currently does not have an official public park and welcomed the opportunity to develop the property with support from the DA and the private company.
The proposed landscape design will include new plants and trees, with the city expecting more vegetation once the park is completed.
The city is targeting the opening of the Agri-Eco Park before December this year.
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