Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has assured that the tree-cutting operations along Quirino Avenue in Manila, part of the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project, underwent the necessary environmental review, technical assessment, and consultations prior to the issuance of permits.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR - National Capital Region (NCR) stated that the tree-cutting and earth-balling activities are sanctioned under several presidential decrees, including Presidential Decree 705 and Presidential Decree 953. These regulations permit such activities as long as proper permits are acquired and environmental safeguards are adhered to.
The department emphasized that tree cutting is not automatically approved; each application is thoroughly evaluated to ensure compliance with environmental laws. This includes a comprehensive technical assessment, coordination with relevant local government units, and the implementation of mitigation measures to minimize ecological impacts.
The tree-cutting operation on the western portion of Quirino Avenue is necessary for the SALEX construction, which aims to connect the Skyway to Roxas Boulevard. Permit No. 2026-02-24-TCEBP-1609 has been granted to San Miguel Corp. (SMC) under a public-private partnership with the Department of Transportation.
As of Tuesday evening, approximately 225 out of the 600 trees approved for cutting have been processed. The Quirino Avenue segment of SALEX, according to SMC's project documents, covers a distance of 3.97 kilometers and will feature four elevated lanes along Quirino Avenue, San Marcelino Street, and areas near Roxas Boulevard.
The DENR-NCR also stated that some trees qualified for preservation will undergo earth-balling or transplantation based on assessments by DENR foresters and environmental experts. The permit mandates the planting of 50,700 replacement seedlings in Manila, following the Memorandum on Seedling Replacement Uniform Ratio.
The DENR-NCR reiterated that offsetting the cut trees by undertaking large-scale replacement planting in the next planting season is a condition of the permit. Gideon Navarro from the Parks Development Office of Manila confirmed that specific planting locations have been designated in key areas across the city. Bamboo will be planted along Roxas Boulevard Service Road, while ornamental plants will be placed along Roxas Boulevard Center Island, Kalaw Avenue, and Padre Burgos Avenue.
