News Sense
Of trees and roads
By Hilda M. Austria
THE debate on the tree cutting along the Manila North Road (MNR) has already gone too far but the verdict for the remaining more than 700 trees will not likely be known probably after the 2016 elections.
One side says the issue is apolitical since it is about the preservation of environment, however, I say we cannot separate it from politics. In the first place, the issue emanated from politicians, one said he is for progress while the other maintained he is for environmental protection.
It is quite difficult to take sides on the issue because it will be perceived as choosing whose side you are on in 2016 elections. But in my case, since I do not vote for provincial posts because I live in a chartered city, so I should be spared from any perception of a political leaning.
When I first heard the debate, I declared to those I talked to that I am for the cutting of the trees (for road widening) as it leads to progress, a situation that we all want. But when I heard that the tree cutting was not just for a few but for more than a thousand, I started to rethink my stand.
This probably was what happened with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan after they corrected the “interpretation” of the provincial environmental code of 2012 which stated that “national roads should be free from obstruction ten meters from the center line.” Though the code was clear, the SP clarified there was no conflict between the code and the agreement signed last August 26 which disallows tree cutting in the national roads of Pangasinan.
So let us give them the benefit of the doubt since they had not anticipated the present situation when the code was passed.
Among those who signed the agreement that was called ‘a piece of toilet paper’ by the other party were the provincial officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). However, in the days that followed, the provincial environment and natural resources office (PENRO) chief withdrew her participation in the agreement because it contradicted with the stand of her main office.
Now, there lies the problem with our bureaucratic system and with the officials holding these positions – they don’t even have the guts to defend their decisions. They should be reminded that they are there to serve the public, not their superiors. I don’t think the PENRO officer went there unaware of the issue and signed the agreement without understanding its content (with all due respect to her). I recall conversing with her prior to the MNR issue about the girdling of trees which she admitted to be cruel and that her agency was against it but cannot oppose it since a government project needed to be done.
But when the other party posted in the social media the fatal road accidents caused by the trees beside the roads that resulted in loss of lives and properties during severe calamities, that made me believe again that I was right about my former stand on the issue – trees should be cut.
Then when I went out for a jog in our place a few days before I put this into writing, I realized I should stand my ground and lend my voice to stop the cutting of the trees.I was in awe at the beauty that surrounded me, all the green on the trees along the roadside. It was refreshing and relaxing. Why didn’t I see those trees in MNR this way? Well, maybe I was too busy and exposed to the contemporary, boxed myself inside man-made structures that I forgot that there is Mother Nature.
I think that we have already sacrificed a lot of her (Mother Nature) for the sake of what we call progress and we’re not even there yet, not even close. The ill effects of trading nature for our need for a better world are now felt. Sad to say, the worst might has yet to come at the expense of out next generation, our children and grandchildren.
Paraphrasing running priest Father Reyes’ statement, whenever I see trees I remember that God the Almighty created them for His purpose and if we look closely, we are actually just like the trees, just created beings.
Going back to the agreement, note that environmentalist groups from out of town have also signified their support for the province’s stand to protect the trees on MNR. They have time to care for our own environment. But what about the people of Pangasinan? Where are you on this issue? Or are you waiting for the 2016 elections before you decide?
Anyway, for now, the trees are saved. The delay is beneficial to the trees.
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