DENR clarifies process of requesting tree-cutting permits in Baguio City during times of calamity

Baguio City – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) clarifies that permits needed for cutting trees, particularly during typhoons in the city, may be secured from the City Environment Parks Management Office (CEPMO) under the local government of Baguio.

Rainier Balbuena, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), explains in the weekly Talakayan sa Environment Code, that there is a delineation for tree-cutting permits that are issued by the CENRO (under the DENR) and CEPMO.

“When there is an impending typhoon coming, it is clear from the charter of the city that CEPMO has the immediate jurisdiction in the cutting of trees particularly those posing a danger to life and property in a community,” says Balbuena.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan earlier reiterated the guidelines used for tree-cutting, emphasizing that delaying the issuance of the permit will compromise the safety of people and property.

Domogan stated that photos of falling, fallen, or dead trees should be presented as evidence to the CEPMO for the issuance of an emergency tree-cutting permit.

Balbuena reiterates that when there is clear and imminent danger during typhoons and time is of the essence, there is no need to acquire a permit coming the DENR.

CEPMO Officer-in-charge Ruben Cervantes said the Barangay Officials must have an active role in determining the accuracy of reports of trees posing imminent danger so that quick communication with the different government offices could be facilitated.

Chainsaw Registration

Meanwhile, on the use of chainsaws, CENRO pointed out that proper registration must first be conducted before engaging in any tree-cutting activities.

“When it comes to cutting of trees by the use of a chainsaw, it is imperative that chainsaws to be used must be registered with the DENR,” says Balbuena.

In relation to this, CENRO has already issued a complete list of all duly registered chainsaw owners to all police stations in the city, to facilitate the implementation of this directive.

via SunStar / Jonathan Llanes