Before the 300 eucalyptus trees within the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan can be cut down in order to make space for a new parking lot, the project still needs approval from the Negros Occidental Provincial Board. According to provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, a resolution of no objection must be passed first.
He said, while two contractors have already expressed interest in the project, the provincial government is still accepting offers. The provincial official noted, “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,” Diaz added.
In response to potential reactions from local environmental groups, he echoed sentiment earlier expressed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who said eucalyptus trees are not a good tree species as they consume too much water, which could result in a loss of local groundwater.
Earlier this month, the governor explained, endemic tree species will be planted in their place, which he claimed are more environmentally-friendly, but said the decision on which species will be left with the Provincial Environment Management Office.
“We intend to finish the cutting of the trees before the Panaad Festival scheduled in April,” Diaz added.
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. 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./DGB, WDJ