UP-Cebu students, eco-advocacy groups oppose cutting down of trees in campus

STUDENTS and environmental advocacy groups voiced their opposition to plans by the University of the Philippines- Cebu to cut down nine trees in today’s public hearing on the issue.

The trees have to be cut to make way for four school buildings to be built in the campus in 2015, amounting to P31 million.

“There has to be a viable alternative to cutting the trees. Maybe we can discuss vertical development by building on top of existing buildings,” said UP Cebu Student Council chairperson Justine Raphael Balane.

Balane spoke to UP Cebu dean Atty Liza Corro and the students and eco-advocacy groups were allowed to consult with urban planners and other environmental groups to give a second opinion on the proposed plans.

Campus architect Dioscoro “Cocoy” Alesna said the university is more than open to recommendations from students and other civic groups.

“We want to hear from you, but we have to note that we are working on a tight schedule and we have to work fast,” Alesna said.

The budget for the four buildings will be returned to the national government after two years.

The budget was issued last year.

Alesna said four more trees will be cut to make room for a New Sciences building for next year.

The seven storey building will house over 13 classrooms and is worth P175 million.

The three-phase dormitory expansion will also affect six more trees, but Alesna clarified that this has not been approved yet.