Cover as proposed moratorium on construction, tree-cutting gain support
BAGUIO CITY – Mayor Benjamin Magalong committed to preserve if not increase the city’s remaining forest cover which according to the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources Cordillera (DENR-CAR) continues to be threatened by incursions and now comprises only 30 percent of the city’s total land area.
The mayor made the vow during the DENR-CAR public consultation on key environmental issues which also tackled the proposed moratorium on the construction of high rise buildings and tree-cutting.
The mayor expressed alarm on the unabated depletion of the city’s watersheds, the number of which according to him had been practically reduced to just four after two of the original six pine stands have shrunken significantly also due to squatting.
He said the city is moving to address the problems besetting the watersheds including the Busol forest reservation, the city’s biggest source of potable water which continues to be threatened by squatters.
“We are preparing actions on Busol because 40 percent of the forest are now occupied by squatters and we have to do it at a proper time so that we can still save it,” the mayor said.
He said the preservation and even the expansion of what was left of the forest cover is one of the reasons why he pushed for the moratorium which he worked out with DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano and is now up for approval by the President.
The moratorium would include a funding component to enable the city to implement rehabilitative programs particularly on the upgrading and expansion of its sewerage treatment system.
The mayor said it would cover the construction of commercial buildings and cutting of trees except those that are dead and causing danger to life and properties.
As proposed, it would run for one year with an option for an extension.
Those who spoke during the consultation expressed support to the cessation of constructions and cutting of trees citing the urgent need to address the city’s current environmental problems.
Baguio Water District General Manager Salvador Royeca welcomed the moratorium saying its benefits will also redound to the city’s water supply situation.
DENR-CAR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the city has long reached its maximum carrying capacity and the moratorium would give the city a respite from too much development.
During the consultation, the DENR-CAR also received inputs on other crucial issues like the requirements and procedures for the issuance of tree-cutting permits and Environmental Clearance Certificate, the geo-hazard status of the different areas in the city and the solid waste management status of the city.
The suggestions with be taken into account in the improvement of existing policies and crafting of new ones, the department assured.** Aileen P. Refuerzo
