21/05/2026
More trees will be cut down this time along Roxas Boulevard. Is there any way to stop this madness?
An official from the Manila Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS) said on Thursday that the local government has secured a Certificate of No Objection to the tree-cutting activity along Quirino Avenue in Manila.
“There are more or less nine to 10 barangays affected by Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project,” said Joanna Norcio-Ricafort of Manila DEPS in an interview.
The P152.39 billion SALEX project is a 40.65-kilometer elevated thoroughfare that includes the Shoreline Expressway and three Metro Manila Skyway Stage Extensions in C3-R10, Quirino, and Buendia.
Private developer San Miguel Corporation said the structure is aimed at alleviating traffic in the area and boosting economic development.
According to the DENR-NCR, 617 trees were cut from San Marcelino Street to Roxas Boulevard, which started on April 28.
“Since the tree cutting and earth balling permit is granted and ongoing, we assure the public that the implementation of the tree replacement program will be monitored strictly po by our department,” Norcio-Ricafort said.
Manila DEPS added that the developer is required to plant 50,700 seedlings for tree replacement, and will be monitored for compliance once the planting sites are identified with DENR-NCR.
On Wednesday, DENR-NCR clarified that tree-cutting applications are not automatically approved and must undergo environmental compliance checks, technical evaluation, coordination with local governments, and mitigation measures to address ecological impacts.
Earlier this week, residents raised an alarm over the cutting of decades-old trees along Quirino Avenue for the elevated thoroughfare. | via Andrew Ronquillo
