The Quezon City government has banned the cutting of century or heritage trees in the city.
This took effect after Mayor Herbert M. Bautista approved an ordinance prohibiting the destruction of the trees declared as “century” or “heritage” trees.
“All trees declared as ‘Century and Heritage Trees’ shall not be subjected to any cutting or any form of destruction, except for medical, public emergency, public safety and botanical reasons and shall be preserved and maintained in its natural state. The prohibition shall also apply to all plants and animals that live within or are dependent on said tree for their survival, including mammals, birds, reptiles or ferns,” Section 5 of City Ordinance 2638-2017 read.
A special technical committee led by the Quezon City Parks Development is mandated to make an annual inventory of trees in the city.
Trees identified to have lived for more than 100 years shall be declared as “Century Trees” while those which have not yet reached 100 years old but are considered ecological, historically, or culturally valuable or belonging to rare species shall be declared as “Heritage Trees” and shall receive the same protection as “Century Trees”.
Violators face a fine of R5,000 per violation and/or imprisonment of six months. (Chito Chavez)