On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Municipal Government of Oslob planted over 1,000 Agoho seedlings in Barangay Nueva Caceres under its tree replacement program.
The planting followed the July 13 cutting of 10 trees for the Oslob Sports and Cultural Complex, which led DENR 7 to cite the LGU for permit violations regarding prior notice and coordination.
Community groups and heritage advocates have petitioned the NHCP for an urgent heritage assessment, arguing the complex threatens protected historic spaces and nearby structures.
MORE than 1,000 Agoho seedlings were planted on Friday, July 31, 2026, in the upper portion of Barangay Nueva Caceres as part of Oslob’s tree replacement program following the cutting of 10 trees for the construction of the new Oslob Sports and Cultural Complex.
The tree-planting activity comes nearly three weeks after the removal of the trees at the town plaza sparked public criticism and prompted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 to cite the municipal government for alleged violations of the conditions of its special tree-cutting permit.
The Municipal Government reported on its Facebook page that Mayor Ronald Guaren led the activity together with local officials, municipal employees, representatives of National Government agencies and community stakeholders.
Personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in Argao also witnessed the activity, the local government said.
SunStar Cebu is still seeking clarification from DENR 7 on whether the tree-planting meets permit requirements and if the 1,000 seedlings were mandated or voluntarily planted by the LGU.
According to the local government, the planted seedlings will be regularly monitored and maintained to help ensure their survival.
Agoho (Casuarina equisetifolia) is a tree native to the Philippines that commonly grows in coastal areas such as beaches and sand dunes. It is known for its pine-like foliage and can grow up to 40 meters tall. The National Parks Development Committee said the species name equisetifolia comes from the Latin term meaning “horse hair,” referring to its drooping branchlets.
Permit violations
The tree-planting activity follows public controversy over the removal of 10 trees at the town plaza on July 13 to clear space for the sports and cultural complex.
Following the cutting, posts by residents circulated widely on social media on July 18.
That evening, DENR 7 said the Municipal Government had violated the conditions of its June 23 special tree-cutting permit by removing the trees without the required prior notice and coordination.
The agency also said Cenro Argao would issue a cease and desist order (CDO) against the local government.
Guaren was first asked for comment on July 19 but has not responded as of press time. He was again sought for comment after Friday’s tree-planting activity, with a response still pending.
An update has also been requested from DENR 7 on the status of the CDO, possible administrative action, and whether construction of the sports and cultural complex may proceed.
Heritage concerns
Aside from environmental concerns, the project has also drawn opposition from community groups and heritage advocates following its groundbreaking on July 8.
Citizen group Oslobanong Nagpakabana and local parish leaders have petitioned the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to conduct an urgent heritage assessment.
The petitioners argue that the sports and cultural complex would alter a protected historic open space and threaten nearby heritage structures, including the post-war old municipal building, the Cuartel and the Inmaculada Concepcion Parish Church.
SunStar Cebu is seeking an update from the NHCP on the status of the petition and whether a heritage assessment has been scheduled or conducted. / CDF