University should explain tree-cutting decision

I would like to call attention to a disturbing sight at the Philippine Women’s University (PWU)-Taft Avenue campus. My daughter noticed it when she was with me while we were on our way to the Philippine General Hospital. She said, “Dad, why are all the trees in this school cut down to the main trunk?” I could not give her an answer.

I stopped immediately and counted the trees surrounding the university campus. There were more than 20 mature Indian trees. I wondered if the cutting of the trees was covered by a Department of Environment and Natural Resources permit or had a very, very valid reason justifying such a cruel act.

We have been trying hard to have more and more trees planted just to ease the overwhelming pollution that has been plaguing our metropolis, and here right in the heart of the city PWU is doing the exact opposite.

What could PWU’s reason(s) be for its tree-cutting spree?

—RUSSEL ALEGARBES, MD,

russurg@yahoo.com

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