𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: "200+ trees felled along Quirino Avenue; DENR permits expressway project" by Jhaebilyn Pallorina

Layout by: Erelah Janika Geniza

Published by: Jellyssa Boniza

Date Published: May 22, 2026

Time Published: 6:27 PM

Over 225 mature, decades-old trees were cut down along Quirino Avenue, Manila since April 28, 2026 after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) approved San Miguel Corporation (SMC) to remove 617 trees for the construction of the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) issued a “tree-cutting and earth-balling” permit to SMC on March 26, 2026 for the implementation of the SALEX project under a public-private partnership with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The nearly four-kilometer SALEX features four segments: the C3-R10 Extension, Shoreline Expressway, Quirino Extension, and Buendia Extension; it is designed to connect major roads in Manila such as Skyway Stage 3, NAIAX, and Roxas Boulevard.

According to DENR-NCR, one of the 225 trees that were cut down was a narra tree estimated to be over 50 years old.

On the other hand, residents and environmental advocates raised concerns over the removal of mature trees along Quirino Avenue, emphasizing that the decades-old trees provided shade and helped lessen heat in the area.

Some also questioned whether the replacement seedlings would be enough to compensate for the environmental impact caused by the cutting of fully grown trees.

Meanwhile, the Manila Department of Environmental Services (DES) assured the public that it will strictly monitor the implementation of the planting of 50,700 replacement seedlings in exchange for the cutting operation from San Marcelino Street to Roxas Boulevard.

REFERENCES:

GMA News. (2026, May 21). Manila LGU, tiniyak na tututukan ang tree replacement program sa mga apektado ng konstruksiyon ng SALEX. GMA News. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CjpJ3joW5/

GMA Integrated News. (2026, May 20). Manila folk sad over 200 trees felled along Quirino Highway for expressway project. GMA News Online.https://share.google/u8CLCBjCUxNbVot1Y

Magbanua, S. (2026, May 21). Expressway construction triggers tree removal along Quirino Avenue. Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/20/expressway-construction-triggers-trees-removal-along-quirino-avenue