Planting endemic tree species is part of the Pangasinan provincial capitol redevelopment project. This was stated by Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino during an interview on Wednesday.

“What’s included in that plan is the reintegration of additional trees in the capitol, so what was cut will be replaced. We definitely won’t be putting back the invasive mahogany, but we’ll be replacing them with more endemic species,” he said.

Endemic means trees that grow locally in the province, and trees that will grow in the sandy soil of the capitol grounds.

Lambino said that around 192 non-endemic invasive tree species have been cut down, with the necessary permits, to make way for the new road networks and drainage systems as part of the redevelopment project.

“Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III said that there is a need for change, improvement, and major renovation of the existing infrastructure, especially here at the provincial capitol. We’re not just talking about the buildings, but also the road networks and drainage systems, and we have to address the effects of climate change,” he said.

He noted that the Capitol grounds do not have a massive drainage system based on the assessment during the planning period.

“What we saw during the presentation of their findings was that most of the trees planted in the Capitol are non-endemic invasive species that are no longer helpful for the Capitol’s water management,” he said, adding that these were cut down while some were earth-balled.

“Nonetheless, there are no centennial trees there. And we also tried to save a lot of them by balling the roots, transferring the others,” Lambino added.

He noted that the project underwent several public consultations.

The redevelopment of the Capitol Complex, featuring the country’s longest reflective pool, an interactive dancing fountain, and a 1,500-seat convention center, began in 2023.

Other key developments include the 11-story Pangasinan government center and flood mitigation projects. (PNA)