Balling-out of Acacia Trees: First time in the Philippines (CEBU CITY – Public Information Office) Trees are the lungs of the earth and anyone who says otherwise is ignorant of this universal truth. The construction of the Cebu South Coastal Road project tunnel section beneath the city’s historical Plaza Independencia affected the trees within its vicinity. There were 157 trees affected that were classified as palm and forest tress suitable to produce timber and lumber. Of the said trees, at least 155 that are about 15-20 years old were transferred and replanted to the city-owned South Road Properties (SRP) which was designated as the buffer zone after passing the assessment from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as safe for relocation. Meanwhile, the remaining two big and century old Acacia trees became an issue as it didn’t passed the DENR’s assessment fearing that they might not survive if transferred. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the DENR suggested cutting down those Acacia trees but the city refused their suggestion and tapped the City Agriculture Department (CAD) to find all ways and means to save those Acacia trees. Mr. Joelito Baclayon, head of CAD together with Kajima Corporation Engr. Hirokani Maeda, the project manager of the tunnel construction consulted experts to conceptualize the procedure for the safe replanting and transfer of the Acacia trees. In August 2007 the balling out of the two big and century old Acacia trees took place. In case you care to know, this writer gathered the whole process of the balling out: First, the branches of the two big and century old Acacia trees were reduced to sixty percent at the same time at least five meters from the trunks of the tree the lateral roots were cut down leaving the tap root; Second, using the backhoe at least two 6-meter deep holes were dug where the trees will be transferred and the i-beams flat form were prepared for the relocation; Third, after one week, using the 150 toner crane, the trees were successively and successfully transferred; Fourth, the 4-inch diameter of the three PVC pipes were installed to serve as irrigation tubes in watering and putting of fertilizers for the trees to survive; Fifth, the root up to six meters deep was covered with soil; and Sixth, the steel brace were connected and installed to balance, support and protect the trees from strong winds especially during bad weather. In an interview with the BARUGG News, Baclayon underscored that they have consulted experts before doing anything and because the case of the two Acacia trees didn’t meet with the standards of the DENR for trees capable to survive upon balling-out process, still we go beyond that, we did everything to save those trees and our persistence is paying off. The one-of-a-kind balling-out process was made successful through the combined efforts, learnings and experiences from the experts and nature lovers applying the same procedures for the small trees. To date, the two big and century old Acacia trees still exist and continue to grow and flourish. Aside from helping in mitigating pollution and giving shelter, it also boosts the attraction in the historical Plaza Independencia and marking another history in this Queen City of the South. (By: Greggy Jiggs P. Senados/Cebu City PIO)
Posted on: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 03:12:55 +0000
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