SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) said yesterday it regrets that there has been a lot of disinformation on its Baguio redevelopment plan, which apparently has reached Sting. For the record, it said, SM Baguio City plans to redevelop its facilities in order to address an urgent topsoil erosion problem covering its private property to protect the integrity of its Baguio mall.

In the process of the planned riprapping of the sloping area at the back of the mall, 182 trees will be scientifically earth-balled under close supervision by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and UP Los Baños forestry experts.

DENR mandated that for the greater possibility of the survival of trees, earth-balling must be done at night to avail of the great volume of moisture, compared to the hot condition during the day. These trees will be relocated not cut within the same SM Baguio property, using heavy equipment and man-power.

As approved by DENR and other supervising agencies, SMPHI committed to plant an additional 50,000 trees in DENR-designated areas in Baguio.

Rip-rapping is a world-wide practice in sloping and mountainous areas, like Baguio and Tagaytay, to prevent landslides and erosion which is prevalent in Switzerland and other European countries, Hong Kong, and the United States. The redevelopment plan has complied with all applicable laws and obtained all the necessary government permits, including the DENR and Baguio government, SM Prime Holdings said.

The issue on the relocation of the trees within the privately owned SM Baguio property, is pending before a Baguio court, and SM is focused on defending its legal rights.