Environmental Alarm Raised as Hundreds of Trees Removed for Manila Expressway Project
MANILA, Philippines — Environmental advocates are raising urgent concerns over the ongoing removal of hundreds of trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila City, where infrastructure works for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) continue.
The project, led by San Miguel Corporation, has reportedly affected around 617 trees, sparking widespread calls for stronger environmental safeguards in urban development.
Critics say the large-scale tree cutting highlights a growing imbalance between infrastructure expansion and environmental protection in highly urbanized areas such as Manila.
The approval and monitoring of the project fall under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which is now facing renewed scrutiny from environmental groups and citizens who are urging stricter enforcement of tree protection policies.
Urban trees, advocates stress, are not just aesthetic features—they play a critical role in cooling city temperatures, improving air quality, absorbing carbon emissions, and reducing flood risks. Their loss, they warn, could worsen already severe climate-related challenges in Metro Manila.
Environmental groups are calling on government agencies and project proponents to prioritize:
- Preservation and relocation of mature trees
- Transparent environmental impact assessments
- Stronger urban greening and reforestation programs
- Climate-resilient infrastructure planning
They also reminded the public that once mature trees are cut, it can take decades to restore their ecological benefits.
“This is not just about trees—it is about the future livability of our cities,” advocates said, urging immediate attention to environmental protection in development planning.
