by Elmer Valenzuela

The mass cutting of trees along Quirino Avenue for the construction of the San Miguel Corporation Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) has sparked widespread public outrage, with environmental advocates, church groups, and residents condemning the removal of the greens that once shaded one of Manila’s busiest thoroughfares.

The project spans the length of Quirino Avenue, both east and westbound sidewalks and center island. It is also expected to extend toward Roxas Boulevard, where hundreds more trees have reportedly been marked for cutting or earth-balling.

Photos of reduced tree lines and rows of stumps circulated online, fueling furor from the public who lamented the loss of shade amid Manila’s extreme heat.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) defended the operations, saying the tree cutting underwent proper evaluation and permitting procedures. In an official statement, it explained that environmental safeguards and rehabilitation measures are in place for tree-cutting activities along Quirino Avenue; that the clearing was necessary to pave the way for the elevated expressway aimed at easing traffic congestion in Manila.

Authorities also stressed that compensatory planting would be required, with tens of thousands of seedlings expected to be planted to offset the loss of the 617 affected trees.

On May 25, Caritas Philippines denounced the cutting of trees as an “act of ecological violence against the people of Manila.” Penned by Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D., the statement calls on the government and contractors to halt the destructive tree-cutting operations, to review the infrastructure projects through the lens of ecological justice, and to listen consistently to the communities who rely on trees for survival.

Environmental groups led by Kalikasan PNE staged a protest march on Tuesday, May 26, condemning the tree cutting operations. The protesters called on authorities for a total cancellation of the project, preserve the remaining trees, and hold DENR and San Miguel Corporation accountable.

Amid mounting criticism and public pressure, DENR Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna on Wednesday, May 27, ordered a suspension of further tree-cutting activities to allow for review and reassessment of the controversial operations.