As part of preparations for the rainy season, the cutting and trimming of hazardous trees in barangays across Mangaldan, Pangasinan have commenced.

Authorities said certain trees pose a threat to residents, especially those near electrical wires, and are at risk of falling during strong winds or storms.

“Peligro siya talaga sa bagyo [at] hangin, ganoon yung mga wire, biglang apektado rin yung mga tao… okay lang na maputol din siya para hindi ka na maaburido ng mga kahoy na yan,” Wilma Gutierrez, a resident, said.

In Barangay Salaan, six trees are set to be cut down due to their imminent risk of falling.

The barangay said they have obtained a tree cutting permit.

This action is also seen as preparation for the rainy season.

“Malapit lang sa mga bahay [ang mga puputulin], sa tag-ulan [o] kapag may bagyo, delikado [dahil baka] sa mga bahay matutumba,’ Eddie Abrogar, the Barangay Chairman of Salaan, said.

Engr. Noriel Nisperos, Officer-in-Charge of the City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Central Pangasinan, said tree cutting is not taken lightly and has proper procedures.

“Hindi basta-basta yan, after ma-issue yung tree cutting permit, assuming na lahat ng formal lahat ng legal requirements were met by the applicant, kapag magpuputol diyan, kailangan may DENR diyan,” Nisperos said.