E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly 29 of 40 http://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/65160 7. The tree cutting and earth-balling operation shall at all times be under the direct supervision of the Regional Executive Director, DENR, CAR or his duly authorized representative(s); 8. The logs and other wood materials derived from the cut trees shall be turned over to the DENR for proper disposal; 9. The permittee shall be required to undertake measures during and after tree cutting and earth-balling operations to mitigate the negative impacts of the said activity to the locality; and 10. The Tree Cutting and Earth-balling Permit shall have a duration of one (1) year.[151] (Emphasis supplied) The clear wording of this Memorandum belies private respondents' assertion that no separate environmental compliance certificate was needed prior to the tree removal and transplanting operations. The necessity of a separate environmental compliance certificate is evident as the original Environmental Compliance Certificate only contemplated the removal of 112 trees for the entire SM Pines Resort Project. Meanwhile, the amended Environmental Compliance Certificate issued for the Expansion Project considered the environmental impact of the "additional parking levels, retail shops[,] and restaurants; and construction of a new 1,200 m3/day capacity Sewage Treatment Plant"[152] but did not account for removing an additional 182 Benguet pine and Alnus trees. Notably, the plan on the affected trees in the revised Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan, in support of the application for an amended environmental compliance certificate, seemed to be a mere afterthought, as shown by the lack of a solid strategy in place: H. Impact on Ecological Environment There are a number of trees and plants of significant value that will be affected by the construction of the proposed project. The designer is considering the replanting of these trees to the open areas of the site as part of the project landscaping. Maximum effort shall be made to save existing vegetation especially those with economic and ecological importance. Careful balling out of the roots and relocating the fruit bearing and premium trees into a suitable pre-identified relocation site is recommended in order to preserve these species. Site landscaping shall consist predominantly of providing suitably shaped final ground surfaces and the establishment of grass and trees. Tree planting and vegetation growth on the peripheral boundary will be done to improve the ecological environment. These strips of vegetation 4/23/2020, 10:52 AM