A mango tree in the middle of the road in Barangay Oraan East, Manaoag, Pangasinan is causing concern among motorists and has sparked debate on whether or not it should be removed.
The tree, which is already bearing fruit, reportedly poses potential danger to drivers passing the area like Wilson Quinto who argue that the tree should be removed.
"Dapat maalis ‘yan para mas maluwag ang dadaanan," he said.
"Baka may magkamali na dadaan, hindi makita ‘yan. Nakakadisgrasya," Ofring Aquino, another motorist, added.
The tree has sparked calls for its removal to prevent accidents, especially at night.
"Dapat matanggal ‘yan para di makadisgrasya [lalo] na ‘pag gabi," Roberto Tabot, another motorist, said.
“NOT IN THE MIDDLE”
However, Barangay Chairman Edwin Lacaste said the tree did not actually grow on the road.
He explained that during slope protection work, the area was extended with extra funds, creating a "drying pavement."
"’Yung puno ng mangga, ‘wag niyo nang putulin ‘yan. Kung may magbibilad ng palay, may masisilungan sila," Lacaste said.
He believes the tree is not an obstruction.
"Maluwag naman ang kalsada, hindi na natin puputulin, sayang," he added.
If the barangay council decides to have the tree removed for safety reasons, it would need to coordinate with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) and apply for a tree-cutting permit.
