02/06/2026
Last Sunday, 31 May, Manileños for Heritage (M4H) conducted a mapping activity to identify potential cultural and natural heritage assets that may be affected by the proposed Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX), a major infrastructure project being undertaken by San Miguel Corporation. The project aims to provide a direct elevated connection between the South Luzon Expressway and key areas of Manila, but it has also raised serious concerns regarding its impact on heritage sites, communities, and the urban environment.
Recent public outcry has largely focused on the cutting of decades-old trees along the project corridor. However, it is equally important to highlight the many other heritage and community assets that stand to be affected, not only through physical encroachment and the overshadowing effects of elevated infrastructure, but also through the dramatic changes it may bring to the overall quality of life of residents and stakeholders in the area. Beyond these concerns, questions have also been raised regarding possible legal implications of the project, particularly in relation to heritage protection provisions under RA 10066 (National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009), RA 11961 (Cultural Mapping Law), the General Appropriations Act, and other relevant laws and policies.
The activity was led jointly by M4H's Digital Mapping Group and the M4H Ermita and Malate Team, composed of residents and stakeholders from the affected communities. Participants were assigned specific areas and trained on-site in geotagging and documenting heritage assets located along the proposed SALEX alignment using Google My Maps
The initial mapping coverage began in the vicinity of the Manila Zoo, continuing through Quirino Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Pedro Gil Street, A. Mabini Street, and extending up to Padre Faura Street.
More than 50 significant heritage sites, ranging from the pre-war to the post-war period, were identified along or near the proposed route of the expressway. Among the notable sites documented were Casa Tesoro (1910s), the Jose P. Laurel Foundation Building (a work of National Artist Jose Maria Zaragoza and under the jurisdiction of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts), and monuments such as the Elpidio Quirino Monument (sculpted by National Artist Abdulmari Imao and likewise under NCCA jurisdiction).
The mapping team also documented the North and South Syquia Apartments, designed by National Artist Pablo S. Antonio. While these structures are not directly within the path of the expressway, the team noted that the project's elevated infrastructure would significantly affect their visual setting and sightlines, particularly their historic relationship with Roxas Boulevard and views toward the iconic Manila Bay sunset.
Other important Spanish colonial-period landmarks identified include Malate Church, Fort San Antonio Abad, and Paco Park, with the latter two having been declared National Cultural Treasures. From the American colonial period, major heritage resources potentially affected include the historic buildings of the Philippine General Hospital, as well as both current and former buildings of the University of the Philippines Manila.
The survey also highlighted numerous post-war structures, both large and small, that are often overlooked in heritage discussions. These include mid-century residences and shophouses such as Solidaridad Bookshop, long-standing establishments like Midtown Inn Diner and the Tan Yan Kee (PAL) Building, and notable examples of Brutalist and mid-century architecture such as the Jalandoni Building and Gedisco Center. While some of these structures may not face direct demolition, their operations, setting, character, and overall heritage value would inevitably be altered by the presence of a massive elevated expressway overhead.
The cumulative impact of SALEX extends far beyond individual buildings. It threatens to transform the character of entire historic districts, diminish the experience of heritage spaces, alter significant views and sightlines, and affect the daily lives of communities that have long called Ermita and Malate home. These concerns underscore the need for a more comprehensive assessment of the project's cultural, environmental, and social consequences before irreversible changes are made to Manila's historic urban landscape.
Equally noteworthy are the numerous trees mapped along the proposed SALEX corridor, including both native and introduced species such as narra, mahogany, coconut, kapok, siar, acacia, and fire trees. Some of these trees have already been cut, while others remain under threat and have reportedly been tagged for removal.
Beyond their obvious value in providing shade, reducing urban heat, and contributing to the visual character and charm of Manila's streetscapes, these trees play an essential ecological role in the urban environment. They help absorb carbon dioxide, filter air pollutants, reduce stormwater runoff, support biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall resilience of the city's ecosystem. Mature trees are particularly valuable, as their environmental benefits increase significantly with age and size. The loss of large tree canopies, coupled with the construction of extensive elevated infrastructure, may further intensify the urban heat island effect, diminish air quality, reduce habitat connectivity, and create a less hospitable environment for both people and wildlife in an already densely built urban setting.
The next step is to formally present these findings to relevant national and local government agencies through a unified memorandum, calling for their immediate attention and appropriate action regarding the cultural, historical, environmental, and community impacts of the proposed project.
The link to the map can be accessed here:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1NVhAVyQ5FTG6KpmDhmYLkHbPq_QwUJI&usp=sharing
Please note that this mapping initiative remains a work in progress. The current data represents an initial survey and documentation effort, and we welcome comments, corrections, additional information, and even direct participation from concerned citizens, heritage advocates, researchers, residents, and stakeholders. Through collective effort and shared knowledge, we hope to strengthen and refine this growing body of evidence to better inform decision-makers and the public on the potential impacts of the Southern Access Link Expressway.
