The Save the Trees Coalition (STC) and the Angeles City council have agreed to collaborate on protecting approximately 259 trees along Friendship Highway after recent pruning activities raised concerns.
During a Sangguniang Panlungsod session on June 9, 2026, the coalition stated that the trees are covered by an Environmental Protection Order (EPO) issued by the Court of Appeals in 2024. The group emphasized that maintenance activities must comply with existing laws.
STC legal counsel Bianca Viel Caligagan discussed a pending injunction case before the Supreme Court concerning tree protection. Forester Luid Paolo Serrano warned that excessive pruning and tree topping can weaken trees, increasing the risk of branch failure during strong winds and storms.
Vice Mayor Amos Rivera proposed creating a Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop guidelines for tree pruning, maintenance, and assessment. Councilor Joan Crystal "JC" Aguas supported the TWG proposal and vowed to author a resolution for its creation.
The STC called for a local ordinance to ensure tree protection. The group proposed declaring Friendship Highway and its tree-lined corridor as a cultural and environmental heritage area.
Meanwhile, Angeles City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) officer Carmelo Simbulan reported that 272 trees and five dead trees along Friendship Highway are covered by permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
Simbulan said pruning and removal of some dead trees were undertaken as the southwest monsoon, or Habagat season, begins. The move aims to reduce risks to motorists and the public. He added that the operation was prompted by a May 9 incident along the highway that resulted in a casualty.
According to Simbulan, the operation is conducted by the Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, CENRO, the Angeles City Traffic Development Office, and volunteers. He clarified that pruning involves selective removal of branches, while trimming generally refers to reducing twigs and smaller growth on established trees. He said the city government supports tree conservation but must balance environmental protection with public safety.
Simbulan noted that CENRO was not part of the June 9 discussion between STC and the city council. He emphasized the city government's transparency in the operation, with public funds covering fuel and cleanup activities. Volunteers are allowed to keep usable wood in exchange for labor and the use of their own equipment. Simbulan denied allegations of over-pruning to benefit volunteers, stating the city government will not compromise public safety or its mandate.
“As long as the operation is legal and intended to protect the general public and motorists, the city government will continue the work,” he said.
