JULY 26, 2012 - The administration’s cutting of trees for landscaping gathered commotions from concerned students, faculties, organizations, environmentalists and even from networking sites.
Aside from releasing Circular No. 04, Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, new University President, Fr. Ian Ragodon, OSA, Director of General Services and Arch. Nathaniel John Dueñas, a seasoned urban planner and landscape architect, answered all queries in a forum conducted by the USA Student Council in cooperation with the USA Publications at the USA Student Center.
Dueñas revealed that the cutting down of trees was a part of the administration’s “Master Plan” part of it is the beautification project of the university and major renovations which includes, state-of-the-art landscaping, student plazas, installation of grass pavers, electronic billboards and many more.
“I admit that what we have here [Master Plan] is indeed an ambitious project. We are looking foundations to fund it. As of now, we can only finish half the project portion,” Comendador said.
“Our school is disorganized and dirty… We want a home where we see things clearly, where everything is clean, where everything is systematic… We are running out of time… PAASCU has given us a deadline until September this year,” Comendador further explained.
Questions from the panel were raised about the administration’s failure to consult and the university’s susceptibility to pollutants now that the trees were cut; Comendador apologized and opened the opportunity of keeping in touch with faculties’ and student’s concerns in the future.
“If cutting of trees is a sin, then I apologize. I will then replace each trees cut… We will incorporate plants that will lessen levels of pollutants…We will have a regular coffee break session inviting various sectors of the university to know your concerns…”Comendador promised.
Comendador also countered the issue of prioritizing classroom renovations first being impossible because classes are going on and defended there was not a century-old tree cut and and assured that prior inspection were conducted by the DENR.
“The DENR Inspection Report further said… The various reasons for the justification of the cutting down of trees: among them are hazardous branches, damages made to university structures, diseased trees which proved to be dangerous,” Comendador enumerates.
Father President gave his last assurance that they (administration) are lovers of trees and are also environmentalists and they are only doing what they are doing because it is their initiative “to continue the legacy of excellence.”
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| The trees immediately along the fence have been cut leaving one pruned mahogany tree. |
Dueñas revealed that the cutting down of trees was a part of the administration’s “Master Plan” part of it is the beautification project of the university and major renovations which includes, state-of-the-art landscaping, student plazas, installation of grass pavers, electronic billboards and many more.
“I admit that what we have here [Master Plan] is indeed an ambitious project. We are looking foundations to fund it. As of now, we can only finish half the project portion,” Comendador said.
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| Comendador |
PAASCU’s visit this September and compliance to its recommendation four years ago “to maintain a clean and orderly environment” was one of the reasons of cutting down of trees and the Administration’s coming up of the “Master Plan”, other reasons include (1) Preparation for the new program called Bachelor in Landscape Architecture, (2) Preparation for next year’s 60th anniversary of being elevated to University status.
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| Dueñas |
Questions from the panel were raised about the administration’s failure to consult and the university’s susceptibility to pollutants now that the trees were cut; Comendador apologized and opened the opportunity of keeping in touch with faculties’ and student’s concerns in the future.
Comendador also countered the issue of prioritizing classroom renovations first being impossible because classes are going on and defended there was not a century-old tree cut and and assured that prior inspection were conducted by the DENR.
“The DENR Inspection Report further said… The various reasons for the justification of the cutting down of trees: among them are hazardous branches, damages made to university structures, diseased trees which proved to be dangerous,” Comendador enumerates.
Father President gave his last assurance that they (administration) are lovers of trees and are also environmentalists and they are only doing what they are doing because it is their initiative “to continue the legacy of excellence.”
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