Officials of the Naga City Central School and its Parent Teachers Association aren’t objecting to the cutting of trees for the sports oval project in their area.
“The construction of the track and field oval is an improvement. We are so happy that the students will directly benefit from this project. We are thankful to the city government of Naga (for this project),” Naga City Central School principal Nenita S. Canomon said.
Canomon said a meeting between the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Naga City Division, school officials and Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) officers and the Naga City government showed little objection to the project.
“PTA President Winley dela Fuente only objected to the cutting of trees. He is in favor with the track and field oval,” Canomon said.
Dela Fuente attended a dialogue with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje along with convenors of the Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) and environment groups last Monday afternoon.
During the dialogue at Paje’s office, dela Fuente, MLC and the green groups reiterated their objection to the cutting of 58 trees in the area to make way for the City of Naga’s sports oval project.
They also submitted a letter calling for the removal of Regional Executive Director Isabelo Montejo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for issuing a special tree cutting permit for the cutting of 58 trees in the area.
Canomon said the 3.2 hectares lot is owned by the Naga City government which allocated P68 million to fund the construction of the sports oval.
Engr. Ma. Obdulla Lescano, Naga City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) officer, said a resolution signifying support for the project was signed by 10 of 15 PTA officers. Among those who didn’t sign was dela Fuente.
She said all requirements for the project have been complied with, including the special permit to cut the trees issued by the DENR central office.
The target date to finish the P68 million project will be on Jan. 30, 2015.
Paje issued a permanent protection order for the remaining 21 trees. Lescano said their replanting will replace the 58 cut trees.