Negros SP okays Panaad trees-cutting

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The cutting of some 300 Eucalyptus trees inside the Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay, Mansilingan here will start soon after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental approved a resolution of no objection to the move.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the Resolution of No Objection is a requirement for the cutting permit from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Diaz said a private contractor will cut the trees “free of charge” and will even pay the provincial government P200,000.

The eucalyptus trees that were already marked by the Provincial Environment and Management Office for cutting are located in areas reserved for parking spaces.

The contractor will also shoulder the labor cost, and the cutting will be done by experienced cutters, Diaz said.

“Experts will ensure that the cutting will be clean and accidents will be avoided on the part of the provincial employees.”

Diaz said the clearing of the affected areas will include the roots, and the P200,000 to be paid by the contractor will be used for the beautification of the Panaad Park.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said that the eucalyptus trees to be cut will be replaced by endemic trees, as the provincial government has already prepared plans on how to landscape the area.