By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Pangasinan provincial government has pledged to replace nearly 200 felled mahogany trees with native species as it pushes forward with the redevelopment of the Provincial Capitol Complex, saying the project is designed to improve flood control, modernize public infrastructure, and restore ecological balance.
Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino said Wednesday that the planting of endemic tree species forms an integral part of the redevelopment plan, following the removal of 192 invasive, non-native trees that had occupied portions of the Capitol grounds.
He said the replacement trees will consist of indigenous species naturally suited to Pangasinan’s sandy terrain and local climate, unlike mahogany trees, which have long been classified as invasive and less beneficial to the area’s ecosystem.
“The trees that were removed will be replaced, but not with mahogany,” Lambino said. “We are restoring the area with endemic species that are more appropriate for the environment.”
According to provincial officials, the tree removal was carried out with the required government permits to clear the way for new road networks, expanded drainage facilities, and other infrastructure improvements under the Capitol redevelopment program.
Lambino said technical assessments conducted during the project’s planning stage found that the Capitol complex lacked an adequate drainage system, making it more vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains. He added that the redevelopment seeks to strengthen the province’s resilience to climate change while upgrading aging government facilities.
Officials also maintained that none of the trees removed were declared centennial trees. Several were reportedly preserved through earth-balling and transplanted to other locations whenever possible.
The provincial government said the redevelopment project underwent public consultations before construction began.
Launched in 2023, the Capitol redevelopment includes an expanded government center, upgraded road and drainage networks, flood mitigation facilities, a 1,500-seat convention center, an interactive dancing fountain, and what provincial officials describe as the country’s longest reflective pool.
Provincial authorities said the project aims to transform the Capitol Complex into a greener, climate-resilient, and more efficient center of public service while ensuring that native vegetation is restored as redevelopment progresses. (With News reports from PNA)
