To the confusion of motorists in the south, over 8,700 trees (!!!) lining the roads of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) were suddenly gone. They were cut down over the past few weeks by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), and apparently with permission from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office.

When were the trees planted there?

While about 1,500 trees have been naturally grown along the roads, over 7,000 trees were actually planted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) over a decade ago in an effort to reforest 1.5 million hectares over a five-year period.

very aliw si gurl sa mga narra trees sa slex 💛 https://t.co/j9muwODi2g pic.twitter.com/dhvfGxvCKa

— ella 🌻 (@mariaellaiza) April 11, 2023

Why were they cut down?

The trees were cut down to make way for the road widening of SLEX. SMC also issued a statement that the trees have become a hazard: “While valued for their environmental and aesthetic benefits, the trees, over the years, have become a safety concern.”

Man they are now starting to cut the trees in slex, yan p naman nilulook forward ko everything im going to manila from the province #progressovernature pic.twitter.com/x68rwGhaKV

— josemari (@JoseMariRobledo) February 4, 2023

According to the permit found along the roadside of SLEX, the plan to cut down was “requested by the DOTr, TRB-SMC SLEX CORP., covering the Road Right of Way of South Luzon Expressway located along the Expressway within the area of jurisdiction of the municipalities of San Pedro, Biñan, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.” The permit was issued last February 10, 2023.

What happens now that they were cut down?

Motorists have shared how the winds feel stronger while driving down the expressway. This may lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially during the rainy season.

Trees which served as windbreaks, planted in part by the Luntiang Pilipinas program along the SLEX three decades ago have been mercilessly chainsawed. pic.twitter.com/5Rsb1Tbf00

— nared (@nednared) June 4, 2023

On top of that, the removal of trees also disrupts the ecosystem of the area, since these trees have contributed much to things like air quality maintenance and temperature regulation.

What happens to the trees?

What is going to happen with all the tree wood that’s being cut from Slex? 8000 trees is a lot.

— Angelina Mead King 🏳️‍⚧️ (@Angiemeadking) June 4, 2023

SMC said that they will be preserving and safely replanting some of the trees in other locations, while felled trees will be repurposed into furniture to be donated to public schools.

In the meantime, SMC also promises to “plant and grow 100 new trees for every naturally-grown species cut and 50 for planted species in suitable locations recommended by the DENR.”

Motorists call for a stop

Motorists have taken to the online sphere to call attention to the ongoing tree-cutting along SLEX, citing safety and environmental concerns regarding the issue.

with climate change too evident 2 ignore, and Philippines recording a 51 degrees Celsius heat index in May, and then they cut trees from #SLEX? are we really making this world better by widening our roads yet getting rid of the best known “technology” to cool Earth? #SaveTheTrees

— Heero Potter (@heeropotter) June 4, 2023

“Tree planting” – pls prioritize the replacement of cut trees along South Luzon Expressway. Once a very “cool” and “green” SLEX, accdg to my foreign boss, now seems a wasteland of cut trees. #SavePHTrees

— Lei Arbo (@lei_arbo) May 29, 2023

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube for the l8est entertaining, useful, and informative lists!