The Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc. has called on the city government of Davao to expedite the development and implementation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Trees Protection Ordinance of Davao City following the toppling of 18 trees at Mintal Elementary School in Davao City.
IDIS emphasized that implementing the ordinance ensures the effective protection of heritage trees.
The “Trees Protection Ordinance of Davao City,” or Ordinance No. 0784-21, recognizes that heritage trees are symbols of the city’s past as well as plays crucial role in combating climate change.
In a statement released on Monday, IDIS stated it acknowledges the school’s concerns that some of the trees have become hazardous due to their infected branches and may potentially cause damage to property and pose risks to the public and the school.
IDIS stated that the school applied for a permit to prune/trim and was granted by the Davao City Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-Community ENRO).
It also said that the school requested the Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao (DPWH-Davao) 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) in Tugbok to execute the said pruning/trimming.
“According to reliable sources, staff from the DENR-Community ENRO were also there to monitor the activity. But what they did was the worst form of pruning. Based on our inspection and photos in the area it is evident that the authority conducted pruning and trimming through the tree-topping method,” it said.
IDIS explained that tree-topping is an arboricultural practice that involves the severe cutting back of a tree’s crown by cutting and removing most of its main branches.
“However, many arborists and foresters consider it as an improper and harmful way of pruning. Various studies proved that tree-topping has serious negative impacts on the tree and its ecosystem,” it said.
Based on IDIS’ assessment, a few trees were found to have minor fungal and termite infestation, and one mango tree was found to have a damaged trunk due to vendors burning wastes next to the tree according to the reports and concerns from the campus management.
“These were curable through proper pruning techniques such as tree crown trimming/thinning or selective branch removal and are proven to have better results in maintaining and sustaining tree growth,” it said.
According to IDIS, the trees in front of the school, which is part of a 2020 citizen science initiative led by the group in collaboration with various civil society organizations, are critical components of the local ecosystem and contribute to the environmental landscape of Davao City, specifically in Barangay Mintal.
IDIS said this action raises concerns not only about local ordinance violations but also about potential non-compliance with the Department Order No. 93 Series of 2014 from DPWH which provides the guidelines and procedures for the proper pruning/trimming and/or cutting of trees.
According to the guidelines, there are only two techniques recommended to manage tree growth and health under pruning which are crown thinning and crown raising.
IDIS underscored that the DPWH guidelines clearly stated that the crown shall remain and not be removed.
The group cited Republic Act No. 3571, known as An Act to Prohibit the Cutting, Destroying or Injuring of Planted or Growing Trees, Flowering Plants, and Shrubs or Plants of Scenic Value along Public Roads, in Plazas, Parks, School Premises, or any other Public Grounds specifically prohibits the “cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees” in public spaces like plazas, parks, and school grounds. This law aims to conserve and protect trees, recognizing their vital role in maintaining a cool, fresh, and healthful climate, as well as enhancing the beauty of public areas.
The group said the incident at Mintal Elementary School underscores the importance of ensuring proper procedures and justifications for any tree-cutting or pruning activities, especially in light of national environmental protections established by Republic Act No. 3571 and Department Order No. 93 Series of 2014.
IDIS also emphasized the CENRO should review and amend its guidelines for tree pruning to prioritize less destructive methods, especially in cases where the primary concern is only utility lines.
It also said that the CENRO should implement stringent monitoring of the permits they issue to ensure that applicants strictly adhere to proper tree-cutting/pruning practices.
IDIS recommended that the Department of Education (DepEd) should provide training and education to contractors working on school grounds to raise awareness about the importance of proper tree care and the potential negative consequences of tree topping.
The group also proposed that the CENRO, and City Information Office, in coordination with the Division of City Schools and DENR, shall undertake a massive information and education campaign regarding the protection and preservation of heritage trees as stipulated in the Trees Protection Ordinance of Davao City.
“The organization strongly condemns any tree topping, stressing that despite the adoption of the Trees Protection Ordinance of Davao City (Ordinance No. 0784-21) to protect heritage and other urban trees. Safeguarding these heritage trees is essential for preserving both environmental integrity and community identity,” it said.
