Old Trees Cut Down for Expressway, Celebrities Express Concern
Many celebrities expressed sadness and disappointment after hundreds of old trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila were cut down for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx) project.
Several public figures and online personalities said the loss of the trees could make the city hotter and may lead to worse flooding in Metro Manila. Others said it was painful to see because the trees had given shade, cleaner air, and comfort to residents for many years. The issue quickly spread online, with many Filipinos sharing worries about the balance between progress and protecting nature.
Residents who had lived near or passed through the area for a long time also shared their sadness and frustration. Many said the trees were an important part of daily life and helped people escape the intense heat while walking or traveling along the road. Some questioned why the trees could not have been moved to another place instead of being completely cut down, saying other countries are able to transfer large trees during road projects.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) defended the operation, saying the cutting of the trees was legally approved and needed for the construction of the nearly four-kilometer expressway that will connect Skyway Stage 3 to Roxas Boulevard. According to the agency, around 617 trees were approved for removal or transfer, and more than 200 have already been cut, including a narra tree believed to be over 50 years old. DENR explained that the project followed environmental rules and had the proper permits required by law.
To lessen the damage to the environment, DENR said the project developer would be required to plant more than 50,000 replacement seedlings in Manila during the next planting season. The agency also explained that tree cutting is not easily approved and must go through environmental and technical checks first. Despite these explanations, many people are still worried that losing long-standing trees in a crowded city could cause long-term problems such as poorer air quality, stronger flooding, and hotter temperatures.
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