Decision 32 G.R. No. 215988 In the Environmental Impact Statement, 134 submitted to support private respondents' application for an environmental compliance certificate for the SM Pines Resort Project, the project's construction phase saw the removal "of about 112 trees or 16.54% of the total number of major trees" 135 from the proposed building site. Private respondents admitted that the removal of these trees will have "[m]edium, negative[,] and long term" 136 impact and proposed the following mitigation measures: The proposed structures will be located in the central area of the property where tree density is lower. The building sites and shapes have been laid out and adjusted to minimize the requirement to remove mature trees. If it is possible to relocate smaller trees in a practical manner with a reasonable degree of success, they will be relocated. Trees that need to be removed will be cut in accordance with City and DENR regulations. Each tree cut will be replaced with at least 10 seedlings. Location for seedling planting will be coordinated with the Baguio Regreening Movement and the City Government and DENR. Enhancement of vegetation around the building through landscaping. Trees can be planted around the buildings to replace the cut trees and to fill in gaps. Ornamental plants can also be planted in the gardens to augment existing ones. The landscaping will therefore enhance the existing vegetation and bring the customers closer to nature. 137 On September 13, 2001, the Regional Executive Director of the Depaiiment of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region granted private respondents' application and issued Environmental Compliance Ce1iificate CARO 106-047-120, 138 which contained several conditions for the removal of the 112 trees, including: 12. All trees to be affected by the project shall be disposed off (sic) in accordance with existing Forestry Laws, Rules and Regulations. A replacement of at least 25 saplings for every tree cut shall be undertaken by the proponent. Tree planting should be done within the project site to maintain the ecological balance of the area. Planting site(s) outside the SM Property, in coordination with the concerned govermnent agencies/units, shall be covered by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to be submitted to EMB, DENR-CAR by the proponent within sixty (60) days upon receipt of this certificate and prior to start of development[.] 139 ?? 134 135 13(> 137 138 ]Jl) Id. Id. Id. Id. Id. Id. at at at at at at 1333-1696. 1505-1506. 1506. 1505-1506. 1719-1722. 1720.