By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson assured Monday that the provincial government will secure a permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before cutting down the 300 eucalyptus trees inside the Panaad Park and Stadium.
Lacson said the provincial government is not allowed to cut down the trees unless it undergoes prooer procedures.
The provincial board will also host a public hearing to hear the opinions of the citizens before acting on the tree-cutting proposal.
Lacson also emphasized that they want to replace the eucalyptus trees with trees that are endemic to Negros.
The capitol plans to turn a portion of the park into a parking area.
Earlier, provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz said two contractors have already expressed interest in the project, although they are still accepting offers.
“We have asked them to pay an undetermined amount to be used for the beautification. A contractor said he will use the trees as lumber while the other will use it as wood chips. We intend to finish the cutting of the trees before the Panaad Festival scheduled in April,” Diaz said.
Portions of the Panaad Park and Stadium were closed earlier this year as part of the renovation, which is expected to take at least 11 months, in preparation for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa in 2021.
Additional funding for the project was previously sought as the provincial administrator said they need at least P250 million or more for the completion of the project.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has earlier approved the supplemental budget of P180 million, P150 million is for the renovation of the Panaad Park and Stadium.
