Seemingly mum through my social networking accounts, I have been actually reading through the news articles related to the current environmental massacre in the Philippines. Yes, I will be talking about the 182 trees suffering from the corporate greed of SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) and respective government agencies.
The issue has been under fire since October of last year when the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) to SMIC. This permit was needed in order for the mall to continue its so-called expansion and development. It is understood that the city would benefit greatly from the infrastructure development. However, the expansion involves wiping out 182 pine trees occupying the area. Also, the permit should only be granted after an approval from the public consultation. Obviously, this did not happen.
When the local government approved the expansion proposal, people staged a protest on January 20th. More than 3,000 people of different ages, affiliations and backgrounds marched along Session Road to express their opposition. It was amazing how so many people actually have that concern for the city and the pine trees. It was the biggest protest in Baguio City, and I was privileged to be part of it as a student-journalist. (Check out the online version of my article that made front page of a community newspaper.)
A legal conference with the city council only happened late February/early March - many weeks after the January protest. Though environment experts have explained the harm that even earth-balling can do, everything fell on deaf ears. (The initial plan was to CUT the trees, but SMIC revoked their earlier statement and stated that they EARTH-BALL them insted.) It was obvious what these officials, who were born and raised in Baguio City, really care about.
Efforts have continued until I left Baguio. However, it was heartbreaking to read that 8 trees have already fallen victims. It happened late at night last Monday, April 9, when SM was still under a Temporary Environment Protection Order (TEPO). People described it as a "massacre" as witnesses describes the site with "ski-masked workers resting from the massacre, trucks parked outside SM big enough to transport tree trunks".This was just not a violation - it was an act of DISRESPECT against the people, the court and the environment.
I love Baguio as much as I love hometown Manila. I used to pass by SM because it is just right beside my school. And I do know those pine trees. They are one of the most magnificent things God has ever created. You can't find any of them here in Manila! But why oh why can people hurt their OWN environment?
SM says that the mall expansion is for development. What is there to develop when Baguio City is already rich in culture and resources? There is no need for fancy dining areas, parking spaces and bus terminals. Why not improve Governor Pack Road itself (this is where most of the bus terminals are located)? Why not also renovate the buildings along Session Road? Session Road has more dining options (and they're way better) than what SM can offer.
Whether you're in Manila, in Baguio or in any part of the globe, we all live in one Earth. MAKE SOME NOISE AND SHOW THAT YOU CARE. HELP SAVE THE 182 TREES IN BAGUIO CITY.
