THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan has recently approved in final reading the centuries-old trees considered as heritage in a bid to protect and preserve these trees in the province.
Mainly authored by Board Member Lucille Lagunay, the Ordinance No. 011-2023, is mandating the Protection and Preservation of Century and Heritage Trees in the Province of Bohol.
It is sponsored by BMs Atty. Jiselle Rae A. Villamor; co-sponsored by BMs Atty. Tomas D. Abapo, Jr., Nathaniel O. Binlod, Romulo G. Cepedoza and Greg Crispinito L. Jala.
As the SP passed the said legislative measure, “We take a vital step in safeguarding not just our natural environment but also our cultural and historical legacy,” Lagunay said.
“These trees are silent witnesses to generations of Boholanos standing tall for our province’s journey and growth. They are more than mere flora. They represent resilience, heritage, and the intricate bond between nature and community. Through this ordinance, all Boholanos and those who visit our regenerative island shall be compelled to protect and preserve these ancient giants, recognizing their ecological value and honoring the role in our shared history. Preserving these trees means ensuring a legacy for future generations, a reminder of our responsibility to protect our environment and cherish our roots,” she added.
The said measure cited as bases Section 465 (b)(3)(v) of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 provides that the Provincial Governor shall adopt adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, marine, forest and other resources of the province, in coordination with the mayors of component cities and municipalities;
And also cited of the same law Section 468 (a)(1)(vi) of the same Code mandates the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment and such other activities which result in pollution, or of ecological imbalance;
The measure tries to protect century and heritage trees as they hold cultural and historical significance; Promote the conservation of century and heritage trees as important components of local ecosystems; and educate the public about the importance of century and heritage trees in order to foster a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards these trees.
To carry out the implementation of this Ordinance, Section 5. Requires the Office of the Governor shall create and establish a Century and Heritage Tree Committee composed of representatives from the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) – Bohol, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) – Tagbilaran and CENRO – Talibon, a representative of the National Museum, a representative from the Academe, Accredited NGO for environmental causes, and Federated President of Philippine League of Local Environment and Natural Resources Officers, Inc. (PLLENRO, Inc.) BPEMO shall take the lead in the identification and declaration of century and heritage trees.
Violation of the Ordinance shall be fined no less than P5,000 or imprisonment of not less a year upon the decision of the court.
To start its implementation, the Ordinance provides a million pesos to be inserted in the annual budget of the provincial government. (rvo)
