DENR Takes Action After Cutting Narra Trees For SALEX Project Sparks Backlash
DENR – A recent infrastructure project in Manila has sparked discussion after DENR confirmed the removal and replanting of Narra trees.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) has replanted two Narra trees that were previously cut along Quirino Avenue in Manila to give way to the Southern Access Link Expressway, a major infrastructure project designed to connect Skyway and Roxas Boulevard.
In line with its environmental mitigation efforts, the agency relocated the trees to Hidden Garden Manila as part of its initiative to balance urban development with ecological protection.
DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito A. Eneran told the media that aside from the two Narra trees, around 40 more trees have already been transplanted to other parts of the city, including Intramuros and the PhilPost center island.
According to the agency, a total of 245 trees were cut along Quirino Avenue. Their assessment showed that 44 percent were already decaying, 26 percent had tangled utility cables, 19 percent were dead, wilted, or damaged, and only 11 percent remained healthy.
DENR assured the public that with proper maintenance and care, the replanted trees are expected to achieve up to an 80 percent survival rate.
However, the tree-cutting project drew criticism from netizens, who questioned the environmental impact of the infrastructure development.
Actress Nadine Lustre also expressed disappointment, describing the approval and execution of the tree removal for the construction project as a step backward.
Despite the controversy, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized that the project is part of a broader effort to modernize infrastructure while implementing tree replacement programs. The Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) is expected to improve connectivity between Skyway and Roxas Boulevard, easing traffic flow in Metro Manila.
The agency said that relocated trees in sites such as Intramuros and the PhilPost center island will be closely monitored to ensure their survival and growth. Officials added that urban development projects will continue to include environmental safeguards to minimize ecological loss, even as construction progresses in key areas of the capital. Public discourse remains divided as authorities try to balance development needs with environmental preservation in Manila. Further monitoring and reporting are expected in the coming months as mitigation efforts continue nationwide oversight.
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