Marikina urges DPWH, DENR to protect trees in bridge project

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro has caled on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to work closely with the city government to protect trees that may be affected by the Marcos Highway–St. Mary Avenue Bridge Project (Bridge 1). Article continues after this advertisement In a letter addressed to DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Teodoro said the bridge project is important for improving connectivity, easing traffic congestion, and strengthening flood resilience, emphasizing that environmental protection should remain a key consideration during its implementation. READ: Caritas: Tree cutting direct assault on poor “While the project serves an important public purpose, all reasonable measures should be undertaken to preserve the city’s remaining green spaces and mature trees to the greatest extent possible,” Teodoro said. “The City likewise believes that infrastructure development and environmental protection must be pursued with due regard to environmental protection,” she added. According to the city government, a Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report covering July to December 2025 estimated that around 514 trees and plants could be affected by the project. The report was prepared by Lichel Technologies Inc. and submitted to the DPWH and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Citing the findings of the report, Teodoro urged the DPWH, in close coordination with the DENR, to adopt additional measures to minimize the project’s environmental impact. Article continues after this advertisement Among the measures proposed by the mayor are validating all affected trees, prioritizing the preservation of those that can still be retained, and carrying out proper earthballing and transplanting procedures for trees that need to be removed in accordance with DENR standards and accepted arboricultural practices. Teodoro also requested that transplanted trees be relocated within the vicinity of Provident Village or in nearby suitable public areas so the environmental and ecological benefits they provide to surrounding communities can be maintained. Article continues after this advertisement She likewise urged the national agencies to establish a comprehensive maintenance and monitoring program to help ensure the survival and continued growth of transplanted trees. The mayor also sought close coordination with the city government in identifying relocation sites and in implementing and monitoring the proposed measures. READ: Group assails DENR over tree-cutting permits in Palawan “We believe that the public infrastructure project can achieve its public purpose while mitigating its effect on the environment and preserve Marikina’s urban landscape for the benefit of the community,” Teodoro said. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. “In the interest of the shared commitment to environmental stewardship, the City Government of Marikina looks forward to the continued cooperation of the DPWH and the DENR regarding this matter,” she added. /dp