A multi-million peso project in Tanjay City is into rough sailing due to vehement objection from groups who claim to be advocates of the environment.
Tanjay Mayor Reynaldo Concepcion earlier disclosed about funding of P42 million for the improvement and renovation of the Rizal Park there to make it look like Luneta Park in Manila.
The project is ready for implementation after complying with all the requirements, he said Tuesday.
However, members of the Tanjay Anti-Black Sand Mining and some members of NGOs who were invited during the public hearing on Dec. 29 last year have continued to protest against the project.
Romualdo Señeris of the Visayan Forum stressed that the cutting of trees is “definitely not in line with the climate change adaptation mandate” of local government units, as they requested the City to change the design of the proposed project.
Inventory showed that 19 trees would be affected and uprooted to give way to the “improvements”, including 12 mahogany trees, four pine trees, two G-melina trees, and one mango tree.
According to Señeris, the group will file a formal complaint before the proper forum to make known their objection to the cutting of the trees.
He said the environment advocates are for development, “but we need to spare the trees which act as a carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide at a rate of 48 lbs. per year, and which release enough oxygen back into the atmosphere to support human beings”.
He noted the trees within Rizal Park have helped maintain the balance of the surroundings of two churches and three schools in the area, including the municipal hall and the police station nearby.
Señeris suggested that funding for the proposed project be used instead to further develop the Tanjay Board Walk, which is one of the main tourist attractions of the City.
Mayor Concepcion said he considers Rizal Park as a historical place for tourists, and would rather make it look like Luneta Park in Manila for Tanjayanons to be proud of. (PNA/jfp/Juancho Gallarde)
