Judith calls for Tree of Life marker redevelopment

“APAN sa akong pagbisita sa maong lugar, akong dako na pagkadismaya kay ang maong Tree of Life marker murag napasagdan. Mao nang nakahukom ko, kay nahimo man ni siyang simbolo, nga atong i-redevelop ang maong marker.”

This was pointed out by Councilor James K. Judith II during the regular session in his special report relative to his proposal for the City Government to redevelop the Tree of Life marker in Isla de Oro.

With an international name of Washi, Typhoon Sendong ravaged the city and claimed more than a thousand lives in just a single night on December 15 as heavy rains continuously poured until the early morning, 2:00 am more or less, and on the next day (December 16), a huge bulk of rainwater almost wiped out Sitio Kala-kala in Barangay Macasandig, now known as Ground Zero.

As thousands of lives were lost, greatly injured and wounded, and hundreds more went missing, Typhoon Sendong was considered to be the most dreaded tragedy that changed the city forever.

Remembering Sendong in a positive way

While the tragedy may seem to be harrowing, Judith, however, said the same may be remembered and commemorated in a positive way through the Tree of Life marker in Isla de Oro.

The councilor said the mango tree was able to save at least 50 individuals during the ordeal thus the marker was installed therein to symbolize its significance.

But as years passed, the marker was left unattended and neglected, Judith lamented.

Mahimong ma-redevelop ang maong marker pinaagi sa paghimo og mini park, mamahimo kining simbolo sa atong paglaum, pagbangon ug pag-asdang sa kinabuhi, sa pagdumdom sa nahitabo sa Sendong pero positibo nga pamaagi, ug pagtukod og isa ka tourist attraction or site nga diin ang atong katawhan o ang atong dumodoong nga mga bisita pwede moadto anang lugara pwede nila makita unsa katahom ang atong Cagayan River ug unsa ka patsada ang bag-o lang na gisubdan nato nga Rio de Oro Boulevard,” Judith further manifested.

As requested, the matter was referred to the Committees on Climate Change, on Tourism, and on Environment, respectively chaired by Councilors Malvern A. Esparcia, Jay R. Pascual, and Roger G. Abaday, for appropriate action.