An environmental group has condemned the alleged excessive pruning of trees at a school in Davao City.

The group, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), said what the school did was not only pruning but tree-topping where major portions of the trees were cut.

“If these trees will be removed just because of mga utility, ano ba safety hazards, because safety hazards is really important pud. That’s why we also lobby for selective branch removal ang not the entire crown to be remove no so kailangan pud nga maging sensitive kailangan bantayan ni sa mga principal ang evey action sa mga contractors nga naga prune,” IDIS Program Coordinator, Lemuel Manalo, said.

According to officials of Mintal Elementary School, around 18 trees inside and outside the school were pruned in September 2024 due to safety risks.

The school administration noticed that several trees were already deteriorating.

A mother who also worked as a utility worker at the school expressed worry over the safety of her child as there are reportedly branches that can fall from trees every time a strong wind blows.

“Naay mangahulog nga mga sanga sanga paras kanang muulan muhangin naa jud siyay mahulog nga sanga delikado sa mga bata,” Mary Grace Oribado, said.

IDIS suggested to change the process of pruning trees.

“We are also calling for the enactment and the drafting, passage of IRR of the heritage trees ordinance this will also create a council. Another council for the local government unit and its technical working group,” Manalo said.

The group also explained how trees can bring the temperature down and make the surroundings cooler.

“Ang mga punuan man gud naa ni silay ginatawag nga proseso nga evapotranspiration kung asa naga-release sila og water vapor para pabugnawon ang palibot at the same time naga provide sila og shade,” IDIS Environment Research Officer, Justin Joshua Pungyan, said.