‘Disappearing’ trees

I have been traveling to north Luzon via North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) frequently.

I have noticed again the proliferation of giant billboards along NLEx. And these billboards are blocking the beautiful view of the fields on both sides of the highway.

They also distract the attention of the driver and can be considered contributory to the rise of major vehicular accidents along NLEx.

I remember there was a time in the last administration that these giant billboards were all removed by the Department of Public Works and Highways. But now, they’re back. Worst, in one lot on one side of a stretch of NLEx, trees have “mysteriously” disappeared and replaced with giant billboards. Trees lining up a whole stretch of the highway are now interspersed with a lot of “openings.” I will not be surprised if giant billboards will rise on these tree-line clearings.

Paging the government agencies responsible for protecting trees and those behind the cutting of the trees.

—MELBOURNE MATEO,

bcmateo@yahoo.com