17/09/2025
A controversial redevelopment plan for the Pangasinan Capitol compound is sparking debate, pitting progress against preservation. While the provincial government, with a permit from the DENR, plans to cut 192 trees to create a new cultural and economic hub, environmental and heritage groups are sounding the alarm. They argue that the trees, some over a century old, are vital for combating climate change and are part of the site's historical legacy. With a Change.org petition gaining thousands of signatures, the community is urging officials to reconsider, advocating for alternatives like tree transplantation and public consultation to ensure that development doesn't come at the cost of the environment or history.
π₯πππ: The environmental group Pangasinan Native Tree Enthusiasts Inc. (PangNTE) has expressed serious concern over the planned cutting of 192 trees, both native and exotic, within the Capitol compound in Lingayen. The move was authorized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through Tree Cutting Permit No. 0807-2025-013 issued to the provincial government on August 8, 2025.
Based on the signage posted beneath the trees, those to be removed are between 10 to 50 years old, as part of the redevelopment of the Capitol grounds. Governor Ramon Guico III explained that the project aims to transform the area into a meaningful cultural space where families can gather, find inspiration, and be reminded of history.
During the groundbreaking ceremony on November 8, 2023, the governor emphasized that the project which includes a Reflecting Pool and Interactive Fountain had gone through the proper technical and legal processes and is expected to boost the provinceβs economic growth and tourism.
In letters sent by PangNTE on September 15, 2025, to governor Guico and engineer Noriel Nisperos of DENR-CENRO Central Pangasinan, the group cited alarming data, including the World Risk Index 2023 and the PAGASA report ranking Pangasinan as having the highest heat index nationwide. Because of this, they appealed for the relocation of the trees whenever possible particularly the century-old native species or their preservation in place if relocation is not feasible.
The group also recommended the geotagging of old trees, redesigning road routes to avoid damaging them, and the gradual replacement of exotic species with at least four-year-old native saplings to help restore canopy cover and maintain ecological balance.
According to PangNTE, the issue goes beyond environmental concerns; it is about the kind of legacy to be left for future generations.
A petition on Change.org has also called for the suspension of the tree-cutting permit, gaining over 4,700 signatures. The petition argued that the trees serve as natural shields against climate change, flooding, and extreme heat, while also providing clean air, shade, and wildlife habitats.
Those who signed the petition urged authorities to conduct a public consultation, release all environmental impact assessments, and study alternative solutions such as tree transplantation, road redesign, or a compensatory planting program.
According to DENR guidelines, every tree cut must be replaced by no fewer than 50 seedlings, although it remains unclear if this requirement is part of the Capitol grounds project agreement.
Based on records from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), there are more than 2,000 trees within the Capitol compound, making the loss of 192 trees significant especially since many are considered part of the siteβs history.
The Pangasinan Capitol compound was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines in 2005. For this reason, some heritage advocates are calling for the historical aspect to also be considered before the project moves forward.
*The Tagalog version can be read in the comment section.
