Palma reaffirms stand on trees: Cut if needed

Palma

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he was not misquoted by reporters on his stand concerning century-old trees along the south Cebu highway.

The 63-year-old prelate yesterday made it clear that he supports the cutting of “sick and old” trees that pose hazards to commuters passing by.

“I recognize the importance of trees in our lives. We value those centennial trees which have become part of our culture and tradition. They are most valuable. But there are other principles which we need to consider like the danger they pose to the community.When you travel down south often, then you realize its many implications,” Palma told reporters.

The archbishop said it was proper for authorities to remove healthy trees if that occupy part of recently widened roads if it is for the public good.

“When you travel that road and you see a tree which is not a centennial tree, almost occupying one fourth of the road, why is it left there? We don’t preserve a tree just because it is a tree. We should also consider the good of the community, the good of commuters,” he said.

The debate continues over 88 trees identified for cutting by the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 as “diseased and defective”, which was suspended when all cutting permits were withdrawn by the Environment Secretary in the face of a lobby by environment advocates who insisted that “sick” trees could still be treated and preserved.

Last week, Fr. Robert Reyes of the National Coalition to Save Trees, accompanied by four Cebuano mountaineers, ran through the main roads of of uptown Cebu City and went to the Archbishop’s Residence bringing a petition for Palma to reconsider his standrsed” trees.

The Isabela-based Franciscan priest was unable to meet the archbishop who was in Catanduanes that day. Reyes said he believes the archbishop was misquoted or misunderstood.

But Palma yesterday made clear his stand, saying human life is over and above other living creatures.

While a tree pathologist is being invited to Cebu for a second look at the condition of the highway trees, he said “community-oriented assessments” should also be done.

Last July 26, an old Acacia fell on the road in Carcar City causing heavy traffic for several hours.

Palma was among those affected. He arrived late for Mass in Barili town. Another Acacia fell last month in Talibon, Bohol an hour before the installation of Bishop Daniel Parcon. Palma, who was present, said it “inconvenienced a lot of people.”

Read more of the Naga Trees issues here!