DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Cordillera Administrative Region Director Ralph Pablo is urging an earlier coordination for public works projects which need to cut trees.
Pablo said the department has acknowledged there are times when road projects need immediate tree cutting and has advised the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to coordinate with the DENR months before the commencement of projects which may affect trees.
Pablo said with an earlier coordination, the department can assess how to save trees which will be in the way of needed DPWH projects through earth-balling and transfer.
The DENR official said a tree cutting permit is needed by contractors and the DPWH before any cutting will be done and should be applied for months beforehand.
Pablo said the scenario with DPWH contractors usually give their application for tree cutting when the project is already ongoing, a practice which should stop.
“Dapat mas maaga, para magawan namin ng paraan na ma transfer ang mga puno (It should be done early so we can come up with a way to transfer the trees),” said Pablo.
Pablo added that the DPWH should also brief contractors on how to go about projects with the least effect to the environment.
In the Cordillera, there is least 43 percent of forest covers left to conserve and protect.
Pablo said the region needs to focus on preserving forest covers, water sheds and stop land conversion as well as equal attention to areas under environmental protection.
