Some teachers and students of a school in Calasiao, Pangasinan are opposing a move to cut down up to 48 trees on campus.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has already issued a permit to cut the trees but said it needs to resolve issues first considering the opposition. 

"We need to solve yung mga issues dito [dahil] may mga nagpo-protesta. We also need to hear their side. We were helpful enough, sila na rin ang volunteer na i-hold muna [ang pagputol]," Engr. Noriel Nisperos, Officer-in-Charge of CENRO-Dagupan, said.

Teachers against cutting the trees at the Calasiao Comprehensive National High School have initiated a signature campaign. 

The trees stand at the school’s 'Forest Park' where students hang out and seek respite from the heat.

However, the school administration said some trees have become potential hazards as these have started decaying.

It cited an incident where a branch fell on a student, prompting discussions on the need to cut down those that are decaying.

"Mayroon tayong insidente dati na nahulugan ng branch ang isang bata. So napag-usapan na dahil marami nang nabubulok, inaanay na puno, kailangan ng ipa-cut," Marilet Quebral, Administrative Officer IV at Calasiao Comprehensive National High School, said.

Students are divided on the issue with some expressing concern about the impact on nature. Others are advocating for safety.

"Nature ‘yan, kapag pinutol papangit ang nature," one student said.

"Kailangan putulin para walang madisgrasiya na estudyante," another student reasoned.

DENR plans to reassess the trees to identify which ones really need to be cut down.