Mayor Manuel T. Sagarbarria
Mr. Mario Aragon, OIC CENRO II
Ms. Frena Mae Catalunia, OIC ENRO
Barangay Capt. Gaudencio Sisneros, Bagacay
Dear Mayor, Barangay Captain, and Protectors of the environment,
We learned recently that the acacia tree fronting the Lumjod house in Bagacay has been given the go signal to be cut even if it is in a public property; the reason being that there is a project for a gasoline station in the Lumjod property.
This once-magnificent acacia tree on a public property at the edge of the street has had a difficult history. It is the story of development versus environment. It is the story of planning without taking the existing trees into consideration.
This acacia was to be cut all the way down when Noreco planned to put their post right where it was standing. All the branches of this acacia were already cut when the Friends of the Banica River & the Environment intervened. What remained was a trunk with stumps.
But the tree survived and sprouted branches and leaves. This tree has been pruned down every three years so that only stumps were left, but the brave acacia showed that it will not be defeated and everytime, renews itself.
Why should this tree need to go because of another one of the countless gasoline stations that are sprouting?
The greenery and shade of this acacia tree is an asset to any development in the area, including a gasoline station.
Don’t forget, it stands on public property, therefore, belongs to the public.
With this letter, the Friends of the Environment in Negros Oriental, and the Movement of Imaginals for Sustainable Societies through Initiatives, Organisation & Networking (MISSION) protest the cutting of this particular acacia tree.
This tree has to live if only to make a statement that this City cares for its trees.
Trees of this age and size are no longer indispensable. How many trees has this City tried to grow and were successful? How much more concrete, and how much less trees can this City tolerate?
The time will come when temperatures will be hotter, and every bit of shade will matter.
We would like the City to review its procedure for giving out permits to cut trees, especially our acacia trees that are the heritage of the City.
We would like to reiterate that we are your partners in protecting the environment.
Esther C. Windler
Vice Chair, FENOR
Nodal Representative, MISSION Dumaguete
