MARIKINA CITY — Environmental activists and local groups have raised alarms over a planned Asian Development Bank-funded bridge project that threatens hundreds of trees in Provident Village.
Activist organization Marikina Kontra Agos (MKA) staged a peaceful demonstration on Sunday, October 11, wrapping trees in colorful, painted canvases known as “tree-huggers.” The symbolic action aimed to protest the potential clearing of greenery for a 1.6-kilometer bridge designed to link Marcos Highway and St. Mary Avenue.
During a nature walk, members also tagged various trees to emphasize their crucial ecological roles. MKA co-convenor Elisha Zantua stressed the urgency of protecting these urban forests, especially during climate uncertainties and extreme weather patterns.
“We stand for the trees which cannot speak against the impending bridge construction in Provident Village and other areas in Marikina,” Zantua said.
“Our tree-huggers send a bold message: we will resist attempts to clear the trees for the bridge,” she added.
The infrastructure project has drawn scrutiny regarding its environmental footprint. A monitoring report prepared by Lichel Technologies Inc. for July to December 2025 revealed that roughly 514 trees and plants could be impacted by the construction.
In response, Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro wrote to Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, urging officials to safeguard remaining green spaces.
While acknowledging the project’s goals of improving traffic flow and flood resilience, Teodoro emphasized the need for careful mitigation.
“While the project serves an important public purpose, all reasonable measures should be undertaken to preserve the City’s remaining green spaces and mature trees to the greatest extent possible,” Teodoro stated.
The mayor recommended validating affected flora, safely earth-balling and transplanting removable trees within Provident Village, and establishing a rigorous maintenance program to guarantee their survival.
Meanwhile, MKA remains steadfast in opposition, arguing the project may inadvertently worsen local traffic and threatening to bring their grievances directly to ADB headquarters.