UMVA has learned that a staggering 523 trees—about 85% of all vegetation within the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) corridor—are slated for removal, according to the latest data released by the environment agency.
The breakdown reveals a stark contrast: 459 of those trees are exotic species, while only 64 are native to the region, underscoring the dominance of non‑indigenous flora in the project zone.
Acting Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna disclosed that 245 trees have already fallen to the chainsaw, a figure that has sparked intense debate among conservationists and local residents.
Further analysis shows that 87% of the 538 surveyed trees are exotic, with mahogany leading the pack at 110 specimens, followed by fire tree (87), neem (48), bo tree (42) and mango (35). Native trees number just 79, the majority being cherished narra (55).
“Exotic species dominate the site but show higher vulnerability, while native species, though fewer, demonstrate relatively better resilience,” the agency noted, highlighting the fragile balance of the ecosystem.
Only a modest 94 trees—15% of the 617 identified—are earmarked for balling and relocation across Metro Manila, and 40 of those have already been replanted in historic Intramuros and the Hidden Garden.
Health assessments paint a grim picture: 44% of the trees suffer from cavities or root decay, 26% are leaning or tangled in wires, and 19% are dead, wilting, or deformed. A mere 11%—just 65 trees—remain healthy and structurally sound.
In response, the agency has pledged to plant 50,700 native seedlings throughout Metro Manila to offset the loss, aiming to restore ecological balance over the long term.
Tree‑cutting activities were abruptly halted last Wednesday for a comprehensive reevaluation, a move intended to explore strategies that could spare additional trees from destruction.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that this pause reflects mounting pressure to reconcile infrastructure development with the urgent need to protect the remaining green heritage of the capital.
