SM Supermalls denies cutting trees in Baguio

Amid continuing protests for supposedly cutting trees at its property in Baguio City, SM Supermalls on Thursday said what it did was uproot the pine trees using the balling out method and planted them in a different location.   In a statement, SM Supermalls claimed it "… utilized recommended specialists for this activity who will replant them in designated areas within the SM property."   The practice follows globally accepted standards for green development that creates new employment opportunities, as well as business and tourism in the city, known as the country’s Summer Capital, the operator of SM malls claimed.   An offshoot of this redevelopment plan, the company said, include:

• A new parking facility that will provide alternatives to street parking and, hopefully, help decongest traffic on the streets around the facility.

• A roof garden with trees and shrubs to cover the building footprint.

• A rainwater collection system to help control water runoff in and around the property, while providing a secondary water source for the facility’s needs.

SM Supermalls said it decided to plant 50 saplings for every tree that would be uprooted, or 30 more saplings than the initial agreement with authorities.   "As a responsible mall developer, we shall continue to inform the public of our plans to help safeguard and improve life in the city by supporting the need to plant more trees, promote improved engineering and safety standards, help in traffic and vehicle management, and make better use of Baguio’s abundant rainfall," SM Supermalls said.   The Baguio City Regional Trial Court last Tuesday issued a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) against the removal of 182 pine and alnus trees for the expansion of SM City Baguio.   The TEPO was issued after the National Union of People's Lawyers filed an urgent motion to stop SM City Baguio's plan to clear the area before constructing a parking lot and an entertainment plaza. —Amanda Fernandez/VS, GMA News