180 trees

When ANC reported about the plans of SM City Baguio to cut down over 180 trees to give way to a multi-level carpark, instant and passionate reactions from netizens came in via Twitter @ANCALERTS. Almost everyone was against it. They cited the recent flash floods and landslides and the overall degradation of forests and natural resources in the Philippines as reasons why the 180 trees should not be cut down.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reportedly approved the cutting down of the trees last year, while Baguio officials recently gave a building permit. SM had said, the 7-storey carpark will help the local economy. The mall adds, the carpark will utilize green technology.

The issue is, progress vs forests.

True, having a carpark will be good for Baguio since it will attract tourists, not just for the mall but for nearby attractions as well, like Burnham Park and the Baguio Cathedral. Many motorists have been complaining of a lack of parking spaces in Baguio and the multi-level carpark will ease the problem.

But on the other hand, 180 trees? How could one even think of cutting down that many trees. Why not make parts of Baguio a walking city? It is the summer capital and I'd like it to stay that way. Landslides have already hit the city and even if it's way above sea level, floods still inundate Baguio. The cutting down of trees may further aggravate the problem.

I was born in Baguio, and I'd like to return there still breathing the fresh air and seeing the iconic pine trees.