Saving the trees from Maharlika Road widening project in Naga

Last month, a group of concerned citizens in Naga City, Camarines Sur mobilized for a cause for trees. The issue—the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) wanted to free up some space for a road widening effort along Maharlika Highway, a major route connecting Naga to the southern areas of the Bicol region. Unfortunately, the project entails cutting down over 600 trees that were aged 40 to 70 years old.

The group Save 651’s movement of opposing the cutting of the trees has had some gains. Through the group’s effort of talking to agencies like the DPWH, the local government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the latter’s provincial office issued a memorandum on July 25 against the planned massive tree cutting.