DENR halts tree cutting along Quirino Avenue

MANILA, Philippines — Amid backlash from environmental and church groups, the tree cutting project along Quirino Avenue in Manila has been suspended for review, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna confirmed this during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum yesterday.

“The remaining trees are being reevaluated. The project proponent voluntarily stopped the (tree) cutting. We’re agreeable to this. Let’s stop this first. Let’s review it further,” Cuna told reporters.

“We’re reevaluating what we can add in the earth-balling or what trees can be avoided,” he added.

Based on figures from the DENR, 245 trees have been cut and 27 underwent earth-balling.

The permit issued by the DENR indicates that a total of 617 trees were allowed to be cut.

“If we can avoid cutting even one tree, we will do that. But if based on the study, the design and the purpose of the project, we need to cut trees for development,” Cuna 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,” he added.

The DENR suspended the tree cutting activities a day after environmental groups protested against it.

Cuna assured the public that the DENR is working with the project proponent and the Manila government to address their concerns.

The DENR allowed the tree cutting on Quirino Avenue to make way for the Southern Access Link Expressway connected to the Skyway.