CARCAR CITY, Cebu, Philippines — The P27-million road widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that will most likely adversely affect century-old acacia trees along the road from this city to Naga City has caused both local and environmental officials to oppose the project.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso said heritage trees and those with historical and cultural significance as certified by the National Historical Institute or by other agencies including local government unit (LGU)-certified landmark trees shall be preserved, nurtured and applied with tree maintenance practices as necessary.

“We should look for other alternative routes for the road widening project while the transfer or cutting of trees especially those that are very old should be the last option,” he said.

Dichoso pointed out that removal of trees in urban areas can be done through earth-balling or cutting and that when establishing infrastructure projects, removal of the trees should be the last option to be taken. He also said the design of the projects should complement the presence of existing vegetation.