Tree cutting permit delegated to CEPMO

PERMITS needed for tree cutting activities particularly during typhoons in the city may be acquired to the City Environment Parks Management Office (CEPMO).

This was clarified by City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Reineer Valbuena in the weekly Talakayan sa Environment Code who pointed out the priority to protect families and communities from trees which may be a threat to the community.

“A far as the activity on tree cutting permits is concerned, we have a delineation between CENRO and CEPMO. When there is an impending typhoon coming, it is clear from the charter of the city that CEPMO has the immediate jurisdiction in the cutting of trees particularly those posing a danger to life and property in a community,” Valbuena explained.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan have earlier expressed the guidelines used for tree-cutting, saying the safety of people and property could be sacrificed by the delay of issuance of said permit.

Domogan stated imminent danger should be the measuring stick for the immediate issuance of emergency tree-cutting permits with appropriate photos of falling, fallen or dead trees should be presented as evidence to the CEPMO for the issuance of an emergency tree cutting permit.

Valbuena reiterated when there is clear and eminent danger of trees which may cause clear and present danger at any given time specially during typhoons, then there is no need to acquire for a permit coming from the DENR because time would be of the esTHE

sence.

CEPMO officer – in - charge Ruben Cervantes said barangay officials must have a role in determining whether reports of trees posing imminent danger are positive or not so as proper coordination with the different offices maybe done soonest. “In situations like this, the barangays have a huge participation since coordination is very critical. They should be the first to document and asses the status of trees posing imminent danger before doing an action,” Cervantes said.

On the use of chainsaws, CENRO pointed out the use of such equipments must first undergo the process of registration before engaging in any related activity.

“When it comes to cutting of trees by the use of a chainsaw, it is imperative that chainsaws to be used must be registered with the DENR and anyone acquiring a chainsaw from legitimate sources must register the chainsaw,” Valbuena added.

CENRO have issued all police stations in the city of the complete lists of duly registered chainsaw owners.