Joseph Emmanuel M.

Gonzales Sept 24, 2019

11535164 MARKPUB-K31

SM Baguio Pine Tree Cutting Controversy

Last January 17, 2015, residents of Baguio city woke up witnessing an unpleasant
cutting of approximately 60 pine trees near SM Baguio as reported by the ABS-CBN
news for the expansion of the mall. However, this is not where it all began because it
turns out that these residents already filed two complaints or temporary environmental
complaint orders (TEPO) against SM Baguio in the year 2012 of april, but was declined
in December of the same year.

Honestly speaking, in terms of business, I think the pine tree cutting was really necessary
in order to have a successful expansion. On a statement by SM, they mentioned that this
expansion will affect a total of 182 trees. It will feature green facilities consisting of
indoor plants to improve air quality, a sewage treatment plant, and an underground
rainwater catchment tank in the basement which can also be used as parking that may
reduce traffic in the area. Of course all of these has a bad effect. Even though these
features will be put up, a lot of people and residents are troubled by this expansion
because of the tree cutting issue so last April 10, 2019, the Supreme Court finally
prohibited the cutting of trees permanently on Luneta Hill in Baguio city. In terms of
being concerned in the environment, this is really an irresponsible move by the company
because not only did it caused rage to citizens, but also it has destroyed the name of the
corporation as a whole.

SM Baguio should not have attempted to cut the pine trees for its expansion in the first
place. First of all if a company is ever going to attempt this kind of thing, it must
consider some consequences. The said controversy of the pine-tree cutting lasted for over
seven long years and it was only concluded in the year 2019 with the Supreme Court
permanently banning it. Throughout these years the image of the company was really
affected for there have been many revolts and petitions countering the pine-tree cuttings.
There have been an instance where protesters block roads and continue to chant “Ang
tao. Ang bayan. Ang ating kalikasan, ating ipaglaban”. We only have one planet to live in
and of course people will fight for the betterment of it. On the other hand even though
SM Baguio’s image and name was affected, its progression in terms of business will still
be progressive for the reason that it is included in the shopping mall industry and it
actually monopolizes it with a whopping 50 malls throughout the country. It has
established its brand throughout the years in the industry.