The recent Typhoon “Odette” has shown that trees are also harmful to life and property. One year ago and a few months before the killer typhoon, I was stressing on social media when shall government authorities realize that preserving century or less than a century old trees is not at all worth it?
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Yes, the trees need not be cut but trimming or pruning them is worth it, being safe in all angles. Branches of trees extending along the roads are old already and they could fall anytime. Do government people from the DENR or DRMMO see the light behind this risk? Do they have to wait for a victim of falling branches before they could start thinking right?
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Take the case in Bacolod, so many shouted foul on the cutting of those old trees along the side of the old airport road. Many believed it is wrong but nobody seemed to realize that there are still trees in other parts of the city where danger is waiting.
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Moving around the city, there are old trees still standing, looking firm and steady, but don’t you think these old trees were not shaken by the strong “Odette” wind? Before the next strong wind passes by, government authorities must already trim them.
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Motorists passing by the San Antonio Abad Parish Church have noticed, for sure, the long branch of an old tree that could harm any vehicle or person anytime. Pass by Aguinaldo Street and a few trees are waiting to be pruned. Drive through Gatuslao Street and some trees need to be cut or pruned. Even at the Capitol Lagoon area a school teacher had to dole out a few thousands of pesos from his savings when a branch fell (before the typhoon) and broke his car’s windshield. That would mean, anytime, anywhere, the falling branches could go down on anyone.
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The public expects that prevention is better than cure. Are the DRRMOs equipped with chainsaws and cutting materials to do the job? Do not look at trees as a comfort for sun shade – that depends. But big trees with too many old branches need their pruning. Will someone hear and realize this?
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Trees are here to stay but not as threats to life and property. When will the pruning start, people?/WDJ