DENR returns DPWH’s Marikina tree-cutting application for bridge project
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has returned the application of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for a tree-cutting permit in Marikina City related to the Metro Manila Bridges Project.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna shared the development during a budget hearing on Wednesday after Gabriela party-list Rep. Sarah Elago raised concerns from Marikina City residents and environmentalists that the project threatens over 1,000 trees and plants.
“Nakukonsidera po ba itong ganitong tipo ng mga sitwasyon sa pag-aapruba ninyo ng ganitong tipo ng mga proyekto at pagbibigay ninyo ng environmental compliance certificates?” Elago asked the DENR during her interpellation at the hearing for the agency’s P28.04 billion proposed budget for 2027.
(Do you consider these types of situations when you approve these types of projects and issue environmental compliance certificates?)
READ: Marikina urges DPWH, DENR to protect trees in bridge project
Cuna said that the DENR has yet to issue any tree-cutting permits regarding the initiative.
The DENR chief said that the DPWH’s initial application was for the cutting of 21 trees, adding that “it has since been reduced to 17.”
He then mentioned returning the permit application to the DPWH.
“According to the regional executive director, he has returned the applications to the DPWH at this time for them to fulfill the requirements, one of which is consultation in the area. So right now the application has been returned to the DPWH,” Cuna explained.
Elago thanked Cuna for the development and called for saving the 1,000 trees and several communities in Marikina City.
“Nananawagan ho tayo dahil yung mga kababayan natin yung nagsasalita na para sa mga puno na ito na hindi naman nakakapagsalita. At sila yung mga saksi, kumbaga, doon sa buhay, kultura, doon sa lugar,” the lawmaker said.
(We are making this appeal because it is our fellow citizens who are speaking up for these trees—trees that cannot speak for themselves. They are the witnesses, so to speak, to the life, culture, and character of the area.)
Over the weekend, residents of Provident Village in Marikina City, along with environmentalists, gathered to launch the Save Our Trees! Stop the Bridge! Network, opposing the tree-cutting and the bridge project.
The Metro Manila Bridges Project, funded through a loan from the Asian Development Bank, is a government infrastructure project that aims to build three new bridges crossing the Marikina River.
The three bridges will supposedly be called the Homeowner’s Drive-A. Bonifacio bridge, Kabayani Street-Matandang Balara bridge, and Marcos Highway-St. Mary Avenue Bridge. /gsg
