SMC defends tree-cutting for SALEX

SAN MIGUEL CORP. (SMC), through its unit SMC Southern Access Link Expressway Corp. (SMC SALEX), has defended ongoing tree management activities for the planned elevated toll road in Manila, stressing that the project is being carried out under safeguards approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Clearing works are needed to build the elevated expressway along the approved alignment… Several options were studied, and the current alignment was found to be the most feasible because it meets structural and engineering requirements,” SMC said in a media release on Monday.

The company’s statement came after its tree-cutting activities along Quirino Avenue drew backlash.

SMC SALEX said the activities were part of the pre-construction phase of the 3.97-kilometer Manila Segment of SALEX, which will traverse through portions of Quirino Avenue, San Marcelino Street and Roxas Boulevard.

Earth-balling is being conducted where it is feasible, the company said, adding that not all trees can be relocated through this method, it said.

“The process requires unearthing and preserving the root system, which may involve extensive excavation and may not be viable in areas with limited road space, underground utilities, nearby structures, or trees that are not suitable for transplantation,” the company said.

The P152.39-billion SALEX, also known as the Southern Access Link Expressway, is being undertaken by SMC through SMC SALEX.

SALEX is a proposed 40.65-kilometer elevated expressway network which includes the shoreline express and three Metro Manila Skyway Stage extensions, information from the Toll Regulatory Board showed.

Further, SMC SALEX said it is currently conducting a comprehensive study of all trees affected to provide an accurate account of which trees were removed, relocated, or replaced to assess its possible impact.

Under the company’s permit, the company is required provide 50,700 replacement seedlings which consists of indigenous forest species, which includes fruit bearing or economically viable species within three years. — Ashley Erika O. Jose