The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas has asked the Cebu City Council to approve the cutting of 67 trees and the relocation of 46 others to make way for a major flood mitigation project along the Butuanon River in Barangay Bacayan.

According to an inspection report by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), government inspectors identified 113 assorted trees within the footprint of the planned improvement of flood mitigation structures.

A 10 June inspection determined that the trees would interfere with project construction.

Under the proposal, 67 non-native trees — including gmelina, mango, tamarind, mahogany, acacia, pomelo, breadnut and other species — were recommended for cutting.

Meanwhile, 46 native trees, including taloot, binunga, kalokoi, talisay, narra, bagilumbang, balete, and bankal, are slated for earth-balling, a process that uproots and transfers trees to a new location.

Documents submitted by the DPWH Cebu City District Engineering Office show the tree removal request is part of the repair and rehabilitation of flood mitigation structures along the Butuanon River, funded under the 2026 Infrastructure Program.

The project aims to improve existing flood-control structures to reduce flooding risks in nearby communities.

DPWH-Cebu City secured a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Environmental Management Bureau for the project, as well as a certification from Barangay Bacayan stating the village has no objection to the proposed removal, subject to approval by appropriate government agencies.

The agency asked CCENRO to issue a Certificate of No Objection and endorse the request to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for a tree-cutting permit.