Concrete pine tree to be ‘cut’ down?
THE concrete pine tree atop Session Road, the most abhorred tree in Baguio, will allegedly be replaced with a “historic monument,” reports said.
Wednesday afternoon, canvass covers were installed around the rotunda where the pine tree stands.
Former Mayor Bernardo Vergara, the person behind the construction of the pine tree said replacement of the controversial structure is a prerogative of whoever is in power.
The construction of the concrete pine tree earned the ire of Baguio residents and many have called for its removal.
Traffic engineers have also suggested its removal to hasten traffic flow along Upper Session Road.
The pine tree symbolized Vergara’s bid to protect the remaining pine trees. The phrase “plant me and protect me” is etched at the rotunda where the structure stood. The structure has already served its purpose, Vergara told Sun.Star in a telephone interview.
Sun.Star tried to check what agency is implementing the “redesigning” but none of those called wanted to comment.
The mayor’s close-in staff, Jay Co and Engineer Antonio Bautista also declined to comment. They however, confirmed that there will be changes meant for the Panagbenga weekend.
City Engineer Leo Bernardez and Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Regional Director Nerie Bueno said they are unaware of the plans about the concrete pine tree.
Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr., meanwhile, did not respond to calls and text messages.