THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is fully supporting development initiatives of the city and it is a high time to cut down the trees at the middle of the Gen Luna highway and for the city to level up with other successful cities in the country.

DENR Regional Director Jim Sampulna said it is not advisable to plant trees in the middle of two streets and the road widening project in the city must have a component of planting ornamental plants in the middle of the road.

The Department of Public works and Highways recommended planting of royal palm trees as replacement of the fallen trees and other ornamental plants such as the colorful bougainvillea along Gen. Luna.

Sampulna said he is from Mindanao and have seen the cities of Davao and Tagum with flowering ornamental plants along the highways that help in the total beautification of the place.

The DENR official said he has already given his recommendation for the DPWH regarding the ongoing road widening project of the first highway of Iloilo City. The recommendation calls for replanting of plants after project completion.