The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has suspended tree-cutting operations along Quirino Avenue in Manila for the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEx) project.
Speaking at a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, DENR Secretary Miguel Cuna said the project proponent has agreed to halt the activity.
“The project proponent voluntarily stopped the [tree] cutting. We’re agreeable to this. Let’s stop this first. Let’s review it further,” Cuna said.
The environment chief said the agency is currently reevaluating additional measures, including expanding earth-balling efforts and identifying trees that can still be preserved.
Data from the DENR showed that 245 trees have already been cut, while 27 have undergone earth-balling.
“We’re really sad about this, honestly, about the cutting of trees. We did not want this to happen, but it is necessary. We just want to tell the public that we studied this well. We’re working with the project proponent and the local government unit to address what happened,” he said.
“No one wants to cut trees, but this is the reality of the world we live in. We recognize that for our economy to grow and improve, we need development,” Cuna added.
In recent days, the DENR has faced backlash from the public and environmental groups over the tree-cutting activity.
The Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) welcomed the agency’s decision but said it plans to file a case to hold those accountable for the large-scale tree-cutting.
“Bakit ngayon lang? Bakit kailan mahigit 200 puno na ang naputol saka lamang ito sinuspinde at nire-review?” ani Cathleen de Guzman ng Kalikasan. “Ipinapakita nito na walang sapat na pagsusuri at pananagutan sa simula pa lamang.”
“Kung seryoso ang DENR sa pagprotekta sa kalikasan, dapat gawing permanente ang pagpapahinto sa pagputol ng mga puno sa Quirino Avenue,” pahayag ng grupo. “Hindi sapat ang suspensyon—dapat tuluyang itigil ang mga proyektong mapanira sa kalikasan at kabuhayan.” — Photo from Tina Nolasco, DZRH News
