MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 23, 2012) – The National Youth Commission (NYC) expressed concern over the effects of the planned uprooting of almost 200 trees in Baguio City’s Luneta Hill.
This reservation came at the heels of SM Baguio’s expansion plan to make way for a seven-storey parking building.
NYC Chairman Leon Flores III highlights the importance of preserving the natural beauty of Baguio and of the pivotal role that the youth takes in environmental protection.
“The National Youth Commission serves as the voice and advocate of the youth. With several of our constituencies in Baguio taking the lead in the mobilizations against the uprooting of the trees, it is important that we should listen to what they have to say. The youth are speaking up for the trees and they should be provided a venue to be heard on this issue.”
“The need for consultations on this matter should be in order. We humbly call on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Local Government of Baguio City to take another hard look over the impact of this action. What may, at first, appear to be legal, may not necessarily be ethical.” Flores said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Instead of paved recreational areas, NYC Commissioner Representing Luzon Georgina Nava, said that what Baguio City should have is more open spaces where people can enjoy the environment and benefit from its natural and cultural resource.
“We should always take a long, hard look at all effects of construction and modernization to our environment and ecology,” Nava said.
NYC also seeks to clarify with the DENR regarding the success rate of relocating decades-old trees by earth-balling. “We would like to know what so far, is the survival rate of the trees earth-balled and transplanted by MMDA in Katipunan and Quezon Avenue. What assurance do we have that the uprooted trees will survive?” asked NYC Commissioner and Environment Committee head Erwin Andaya.
While the NYC recognizes the authority of private individuals or corporations over its property, the Commission also reminds landowners to exercise their right to utilize the land sparingly especially if it entails damage to the environment.
Andaya said: “An environmental issue like this has to consider two things: the right of the people of Baguio City to a healthy ecology and the right of SM Management, as the lawful owner, to legally utilize its property. Thus, pending the resolution of these legal rights, the NYC respectfully appeals for a full disclosure and review of the permit issued by the DENR and the Local Government.”
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