The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has suspended its plan to cut down large trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna stated that the agency voluntarily halted the operation to conduct further studies. He added that they will carefully evaluate the measures and may consider uprooting and transplanting the trees to other locations.
Currently, 38 trees have already been uprooted and relocated to other sites. The tree cutting along Quirino Avenue drew criticism from various environmental groups, as it was intended to make way for the construction of the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX), which will connect Skyway and Roxas Boulevard.
Secretary Cuna emphasized that tree cutting is only a last resort and will only proceed after thorough assessments and studies of the project are completed.
