Iconic trees saved in Almeria town road widening project

THE iconic Indian trees of Almeria, Biliran were relocated instead of being cut down following a road project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Biliran District Engineering Office.

“Although this is not our field of expertise, we are doing our best in preserving these trees that stood firmly through the tests of time, reflecting the very people of the Municipality of Almeria,” said District Engineer Ferdinand Briones.

“We are optimistic that the said relocated trees will flourish in their new location,” he added.

According to the engineering official, they coordinated with the local government unit of LGU-Almeria to relocate the trees with assistance from the contractor E.G. Canabe Construction.

The trees, which became the landmark of Almeria and served as protection during calamities, were being moved to the edge of the widened road to retain the ambiance of the road once the construction is finished.

The DPWH explored an alternative way to protect the trees after the people of Almeria also appealed for their preservation.

The road widening project is implemented from Sitio Pitugohan, Barangay Jamorawon to Poblacion in Almeria, with a length of 2.612 lane kilometers, including drainage and slope protection.

The project has a contract amount of P33 million funded under the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), according to the DPHW. (SunStar Philippines)