The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced on Wednesday a temporary suspension of the tree-cutting operations along Quirino Avenue to evaluate which trees can be safely uprooted and saved rather than chopped down.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Environment Acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna revealed that project proponent San Miguel Corporation voluntarily paused the operations to maximize tree preservation efforts.
So far, 27 out of the 94 affected trees have been successfully extracted through a process called “earth-balling,” which allows them to be relocated and replanted.
While Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso previously stated that the salvaged trees would be transferred to Intramuros, Cuna noted that the DENR is expanding its options. Alongside Intramuros, the Hidden Garden and the Philippine Center Island have been identified as relocation sites, with more areas being considered.
The acting environment chief clarified that the agency secured the necessary permits and cleared the operations with local government units and affected barangays, stressing the delicate balance between progress and conservation.
“Masakit at mabigat na tungkulin ng DENR na mag-isyu ng tree-cutting permits. Pero ‘yun po ang nasa ilalim ng batas,” Cuna admitted.
Despite the difficult decision, Cuna maintained that infrastructure development must coexist with ecological responsibility.
“Kailangan ng development. Wala po tayong magagawa doon, development is necessary. So kahit na itong development ay kinakailangan nating gawin, kinakailangan ng ating bansa, on the other side, hindi po natin puwedeng kalimutan ang environmental protection at kung ano ang environmental impact nitong mga development sa ating komunidad, ating environment,” he assured.