All pine trees to be restored at Gen Luna highway

The span of Gen Luna highway in the city proper will be replanted with pine trees and flowers but not with mixed tree species like eucalyptus, gmelina and mahogany.

This was assured by city mayor Jerry P. Treñas after environmentalists complained to him about the cutting down of 12 old grown pine trees at the highway.

Treñas said the cutting down of trees goes through a process and the Department of Public Works and Highways sought the approval of the city environment and natural resources office (CENRO) to cut down the trees to give way for the construction of a second flyover project here.

The multi-million peso second flyover project will be located at the junction of Jalandoni and Gen Luna streets and DPWH has started the clearing of the area including cutting down of trees and the transfer of electric posts and waiting sheds.

However, Treñas confirmed that the DPWH and CENRO have a clear understanding of planting 3 trees in exchange of 1 cut down tree and the planting activity will be conducted at the Maasin watershed in the province of Iloilo.

Regarding the rehabilitation of the Gen Luna highway, Treñas said the CENRO and city nursery have already started a seedling bed of pine trees to be planted at the highway stretch.

The mayor said the old pine trees were found to have hollow trunks already and should be cut down to pave the way for the planting of new trees.

The Gen. Luna highway in the city proper was the first concrete highway built in Western Visayas during the time of the late mayor Rodolfo T. Ganzon in 1955. Built along the swamp lands near the Iloilo River, the highway was planted with pine trees and ornamental plants in the center aisles.

The area soon developed and commercial buildings, schools and posh residences hugged the highway stretch. Currently it is the main highway going to the south of the city.