CITY, DOTR SET TO INK MOA ON BRT ‘GREENING’

Deal is to lessen impact of Cebu Bus Rapid Transit project on environment

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is set to enter and sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on the implementation of the greening program that will mit- igate the impact of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on the environment.

During their regular session last week, the City Council has approved the resolution of Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella that authorized Osmeña as representative of the City Government to sign the MOA with DOTr for the project.

Councilors Joel Garganera and Raymond Garcia abstained from voting for the resolution, saying they have reservations about the BRT project.

Under the MOA, a total of P35 million was allocated for the planting of 320,000 indigenous and forest tree seedlings and 30,000 commercial fruit crop saplings in places tagged by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as forest management areas.

The project is expected to affect 2,182 trees along the BRT route from Barangay Talamban to Barangay Bulacao during its implementation.

These trees are located in 21 barangays within and near the route of the BRT.

A public hearing with some environmentalists, government agencies, private owners of structures affected, sidewalk vendors and non-governmental organizations was already held months ago to consult them on what to do with these trees.

DOTr and the project implementation unit of the BRT were required by DENR to replace the affected trees at a ratio of 50 new trees for every non-premium tree that will be cut and 100 trees for every premium tree that will be cut before the latter will issue a tree-cutting permit.

It also required to establish a nursery with seedlings of not less that 28,000 for the issuance of its environmental compliance certificate.

In an interview, lawyer Rafael Christopher Yap, BRT project manager, said they have to arrange the signing of the MOA with DOTr officials after the development in the Council.

Undersecretary for Road Transportation and Infrastructure Anneli Lontoc will sign the MOA on DOTr's behalf. /

BRT project is expected to affect around 2,182 trees. Around P35 million is allocated for the planting of 320,000 indigenous and fruit trees in forest management areas.