28/07/2025
"The deeper layer here lies in the cultural and spiritual symbolism of the Balete. To many Filipinos, it is not just a tree, but a space of ancestral presence — sacred, mysterious, and untouchable. Cutting it down is rarely taken lightly. But even sacred symbols, some argue, must sometimes give way to the living realities of people, especially when safety is on the line.
In Larena, a tree fell — but with it came a cascade of questions that reach far beyond bark and branches. The removal of the Balete wasn’t just about clearing space or preserving infrastructure. It unearthed deeply rooted conversations about heritage, safety, governance, and identity. The local government insists it was a measured, necessary decision, backed by environmental authorities and motivated by concern for public welfare. But voices like that of Borongan remind us that not all damage is visible, and that loss can be felt not only in accidents prevented, but in silence left behind." - Shane Jay
https://www.facebook.com/share/15eheYmDCs/
