Campaign materials collected during the second Operation Baklas in Iloilo City on Feb. 14, 2025. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas (DENR-6) on Tuesday (Feb. 18) encouraged candidates to reuse or repurpose their campaign materials and avoid hanging or nailing them on trees. (Photo from Comelec Iloilo City Facebook page)
ILOILO CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas (DENR-6) on Tuesday called on candidates in the May 12 midterm elections to become environmentally conscious and spare trees from their campaign materials.
“We ask all the candidates to utilize designated posting areas for their materials and spare the trees; protect our trees from harm,” said DENR-6 Executive Director Raul Lorilla in a statement.
He said hanging or nailing campaign materials to trees can cause significant damage to the bark, which serves as the protective layer.
“This creates entry points for diseases and pests and can also harm the cambium layer, a crucial tissue that transports water and nutrients throughout the tree. Such injuries may stress the tree, making it more vulnerable to health issues,” Lorilla explained.
The DENR-6 said Presidential Decree 953 prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted growing trees, flowering plants and shrubs, or plants of scenic values along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in any other public ground except when necessary for public safety or to enhance its beauty and only upon the approval of a duly authorized representative.
Violators will face imprisonment of six months to two years and/or fines ranging from PHP500 to PHP5,000.
Lorilla also encouraged candidates to reuse or repurpose their campaign materials so these would not end up in a landfill.
“After the long days of campaigning and posting, candidates should also consider the long-term effects of their posters in our environment. We encourage them to repurpose or dispose of it properly, especially the one made out of plastics,” he said.
In Iloilo City, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) identified common poster areas in plazas, including the area fronting the Caltex gasoline station and Molo Mansion on Locsin Street in Molo, JM Basa Street facing Coffee Break and Masonic Temple in Plaza Libertad, Huervana Street from corner Burgos Street to corner Jereos Street facing La Paz Police Station and La Paz Elementary School in La Paz, Rizal Street corner Iloilo East Coast Road facing Land Bank Jaro to Ledi Supermart for Jaro, Rizal Street corner Osmeña Street to Arevalo Church facing Avanceña/Rizal Street in Arevalo, Dahlia Street facing Bo. Obrero Catholic Church in Bo. Obrero, and Oñate de Leon Street facing 7/11 store to corner of Iloilo City-Aleosan Road in Mandurriao. (PNA)