Reported by:Leony G. DaisogJilyn Amoroso

III- H BSE Social Studies

Last April 11, 2012• Environmental protesters in Baguio City rally

against the expansion project of SM City Baguio which will entail removing of trees in its premises.

• SM Management said the project has been approved by different government agencies particularly the DENR who gave them the necessary permits to proceed with the earth balling of the trees. Aside from earth balling they will also plant 50 thousand more trees as part of their commitment to Baguio re-greening program.

• Statements from the SM Group that it will be a green project, concerned environmentalist and many social media users still post their objections on the mall expansion. Many even called on to Boycott SM Malls and posted some pictures of SM logo with a new catch phrase “We Cut it All for You” depicting the cutting of trees.

Cutting of trees in SM Baguio :

Who’s to Blame?

SM Management

• In the first place that is their property so they can really do whatever they want.

Department of Environment National Resources ( DENR )

• DENR permitted SM City Baguio to conduct the earth-balling subject to compliance with mitigating measures and provision of compensatory actions with which SM has fully complied.

SM was granted a cutting-balling permit by the

Department of Environment and Natural

Resources

• DENR has required SM to plant over 5,000 trees to replace the 182 of the 2,000 trees within the mall property that would be relocated in the same area designated by the government regulating agency.

• Aside from the roof garden that will be filled with over 300 trees that will serve as an elevated park, SM will plant over 50,000 trees in the next three years.

• The DENR said this is more than enough to compensate the 182 trees that will be relocated. Planting and maintenance of the first batch of 20,000 trees will start this month (April) in the designated area of DENR.

SM Extension Plan

Baguio residents say NO to cutting of trees.

• 3,000 people gathered and marched across the streets of Baguio City to express their disapproval of the plan to uproot nearly 200 trees to give way to the construction of a 7-floor building that will hold a large parking lot, open air dining and other entertainment facilities. The project is said to boost tourism in the area.

SM Management• SM Supermalls vice president for

Operations Bien Mateo explained that the trees will be relocated using the earth-ball method. Mateo assures the people that more than one month will be allotted to the earth-balling process to guarantee that it is done carefully and ensure survival of the trees.

• Mateo added that the trees will be transferred to areas around SM Baguio, parks and other places designated by DENR.

• Trees play a vital role in our existence but people often take them for granted. Trees help protect the environment; provide us oxygen, food, medicines; and make our surroundings beautiful. Trees also provide sanctuary for wildlife.

• It’s sad to think that some old trees have to be cut down to satisfy the whim of wealthy homeowners who want expensive wood for their flooring and furniture.

• It’s such a pity that some old trees have to be sacrificed to make room for new buildings. Is it really necessary for old trees to be cut down for modernization sake?

• It’s terrible that our forests are being preyed upon by illegal loggers who ravage the trees and upset the balance of the eco-system. Some people cut trees indiscriminately and care less about the consequences.

• Many people do not realize the importance of trees in our everyday lives. Without the trees, where will we be?

• Close your eyes for a moment and envision yourself in a world where there are no living trees. You might be surprised by the frightening image that creeps in your mind.

Inang Kalikasan

Thank You and More Power!☺

References: • http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=798021• http://www.thepoc.net/thepoc-features/what-on-earth/what-on-earth-features/15672-bagui

o-residents-say-no-to-cutting-of-trees.html• http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/180459/paje-govt-should-decide-between-trees-and-devt-2• http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/opinion/2012/04/13/carino-we-cut-it-all-216176• http://rebelmedia.wordpress.com/2012/04/15/sm-we-cut-all-the-pines-for-you/• http://rojan88.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/cutting-of-trees-in-sm-baguio-whos-to-blame/• http://www.equalizerpost.com/2012/08/sm-shoemart-have-you-really-got-it-all.html• http://papansin.com/pampam-news/sm-baguio-we-cut-it-all-for-you/• http://hronlineph.com/2012/04/19/featured-photo-ang-pagluluksa-ng-sambayan-sa-kasakima

n-ng-sm-baguio-by-bro-martin-d-francisco/• http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=67&articleid=798021• http://www.interaksyon.com/article/29640/no-tree-cut-in-sm-baguios-extension-developmen

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