Palace OKs cutting of 125 trees for Baguio road projs

BAGUIO CITY - Malacañang has given the permission to cut down at least 125 trees since December to complete the Baguio Circumferential Road along Happy Hallow, an issue criticized by environmental groups here.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office said  Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa approved the tree cutting permit after the complaint of against the road project was junked by a court.

 The trees to be cut will be used in building classrooms, chairs and desks for school children through a partnership with the Department of Education.

 CENRO officer Ed Flor said President Benigno Aquino III’s executive order banning logging exempts road projects.

 At least P80 million was allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways for the completion of several sections of the Circumferential Road for 2013.

 Although sections of the Circumferential Road have been completed, some issues on road-right-of-way still abound in the southern part of the city.

 The construction of the circumferential road aims to decongest traffic at the Baguio Central Business District and reduce travel time from and to Metro Manila.

 The local DPWH office claimed that with the completion of the road system, motorists will no longer have to pass through the Central Business District.