Vista Residences says tree-cutting in Baguio covered by DENR permit

Vista Residences, Inc. on Monday defended its tree-cutting activity in Baguio City, saying the operation at Outlook Drive is covered by a permit duly issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a statement, Vista Residences, Inc. also said the cutting of the 54 pine tries was undertaken in “full compliance with all relevant rules and regulations.”

“Pinehill Baguio has been duly issued a Special Private Land Timber Permit (SPLTP No. CAR-58-2020) on 18 June 2020 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),” it said.

“As resolved in a meeting on 25 June 2020, we agreed to turn over an additional 5,400 seedlings to the city government which was completely delivered on 28 June 2020.  Thus, in replacement of the 54 pine trees, we turned over a total of 10,800 seedlings.”

Following the tree-cutting activity, an online petition to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was launched by Michael Bengwayan to save the trees.

“Please stop the intended cutting of fifty four trees at Outlook Drive. The trees supply oxygen needs of at least two hundred sixteen people,  sequester more than 10 tons of carbon dioxide, help reduce global warming, recharge brooks and springs ,help  prevent water  run-off and act a buffer zone against strong typhoons and winds,” the petition to Magalong read.

“The importance of the trees is priceless,” it said. “We are appealing to you because we know you also  recognize the importance of trees in our beloved city and also because the company has already acquired a tree-cutting permit from DENR.”

As of Monday night, 5,350 supporters had signed the Change.org petition. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News