Online survey shows support to save century trees

DPWH personnel watch their team cut one of the acacia trees identified by DENR as “diseased”. (CDN PHOTO/ CHRISTIAN MANINGO)

The ongoing dispute between the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and environmental groups on the fate of the century-old trees lining up the roads of Naga and Carcar cities has drawn public opinion to the fray.

The results of Cebu Daily News online survey showed that as of 3 p.m. today, 83 percent of Netizens supported keeping the trees. One Netizen said “Deforestation contributes hugely to global warming. Century-old trees will take another century to grow. Will we sacrifice our planet in the name of motorists and “urban development”? Sure, plant replacement trees. Just don’t take away the ones we have right now.”

Another CDN survey participant also commented “When did a tree become a hindrance to progress? Cutting those trees will just create a more dangerous problem. We need more trees and progress can be achieved in terms of good planning. Cutting those trees is just an act of narrow minded people.”

“If it’s really in that state of decay, how come none have easily been blown away by strong winds caused by the recent typhoons we had? The environment shouldn’t suffer in the name of development. We are better than this. These are not ours to cut. This was planted by our predecessors so we can enjoy it. The least we can do is let the next generation enjoy it too. Save these trees!!!” another Netizen said.

“Save the trees!! build the road around it,” one said. Another Netizen commented “Those trees are important, they serve as for many years lets give them importance.”

Seven percent of Netizens believe that the trees pose potential danger. One commented saying “If those people with ribbons have issues with the trees tell them to show up with the ribbons if those trees fall on a vehicle, house or endanger the lives of people. I want to see those people explain how amazing of an idea it was to keep these trees standing.”
Another survey participant left a note saying, “Maghuwat lang ta nga naay passenger bus nga puno ang matumbahan sa acacia. Let’s see maningog ba ang mga nagbabag. Taga Argao pirmi ko nagbiyahe from Argao to Cebu City di kabayran ang kakuyaw every time moagi ko dihang mga dapita.”

One Twitter user also expressed his desire to have the trees cut off. “They (trees) need to be relocated or cut because they pose danger to the motorist.”

The remaining 10 percent of online survey voters think the trees should be cut, in consideration of planting even more to help augment progress.

“Care for a tree does not only happen when it is about to die. Care must be ongoing throughout the tree’s life. Cementing all the way to the tree trunk puts the tree in a stranglehold while cutting its roots damages its health. However, if a tree is diseased and about to fall, then safety of the people is paramount and no tree should put a stranglehold on the common good of the people be it safety or getting rid of poverty,” one participant said.

What are your thoughts? Share your views here:

We picked a few thoughts from our respondents: