The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reported that 617 trees are marked for removal in Manila to facilitate the Southern Link Access Expressway (SALEX), a 40.62-kilometer infrastructure project led by San Miguel Corporation. Of those trees, 538 are classified as exotic species, with the agency noting that only 65 are considered healthy and structurally stable.
The project, which is intended to provide a direct connection to the New Manila International Airport, has already resulted in the removal of at least 245 trees, while 40 have been replanted. The DENR attributes the poor condition of the remaining trees to factors including fungal infections, mechanical damage, nutrient deficiency and soil compaction.
Following public outcry, San Miguel Corporation has temporarily halted the tree-felling operations. However, the company has yet to release an official statement confirming the pause or providing further details on the project’s future.
Did You Know?
Despite the criticism, the removal of these trees was previously endorsed by Manila City and nine local barangays, all of which issued certificates of no objection to the expressway project.
The Debate Over Urban Green Spaces
The controversy centers on whether the physical state of urban trees justifies their removal for infrastructure. Anthony Arbias, president of the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, argues that the species or health of the trees is secondary to the broader trend of clearing urban green spaces for development.
Environmentalists have criticized the project’s focus on vehicle-oriented development, noting that trees play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat and reducing the impact of flooding. There is growing concern that if the current removal process continues, other highly urbanized areas may face similar losses of their existing green canopy.
Expert Insight:
The tension between urban infrastructure expansion and environmental preservation highlights a critical trade-off in city planning. When development projects prioritize transit efficiency, they often do so at the expense of established urban biodiversity, potentially exacerbating climate-related stressors for residents.
What May Happen Next
Given the current public pressure, government regulators may face intensified calls to cancel the tree-removal plan entirely. If the project proceeds, analysts expect continued scrutiny regarding the replanting efforts and the long-term impact on the city’s climate resilience. The lack of a formal statement from the project developers leaves the immediate future of the construction site in a state of uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the trees in Manila being removed?
The trees are being removed to make way for the construction of the Southern Link Access Expressway (SALEX), a project designed to connect to the New Manila International Airport.
What is the condition of the trees marked for removal?
According to the DENR, most are decaying, wilting, deformed, or dead due to fungal infections, mechanical damage, and soil issues, with only 65 trees identified as healthy.
Has the tree-cutting stopped?
The DENR announced that San Miguel Corporation has temporarily stopped the felling of trees, though the company has not yet provided an official statement on the matter.
How do you believe cities should balance the need for infrastructure growth with the preservation of existing urban green spaces?