Baguio was not called the City of Pines without the iconic Pine trees everywhere. These pine trees have been in Baguio before SM Baguio blotted the otherwise nice landscape of Baguio. SM Baguio has only in Baguio for a short time, in fact 9 years only and has not yet indentified with the city. The pines have been in the city since its establishment more than a century ago and truly has been a part of the city.

Take something that identifies with the city and the people will fight back to keep their city intact. That is why people, whether they are residents or just concerned citizens fight back. We are not just fighting for the dear life of the 180 pine trees that is being threatened by the “green” development but also for the identity as a whole of Baguio City.

If it entails cutting and earthballing of more than a hundred mature trees for a parking lot, then it is not green architecture and engineering anymore. Green Architecture and engineering entails from construction to occupancy, the establishment should be of least environmental effect.

SM, forget the parking lot. Be the real good guys now.