| ANC May 21, 2026 • CNN Philippines The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has defended the removal of hundreds of decades-old trees along Quirino Avenue in Manila to make way for a new expressway project. Officials said the clearing was necessary to ease chronic traffic congestion in the capital and improve connectivity between key districts. DENR spokespersons stressed that the trees were not within protected areas and that the agency had conducted the required environmental impact assessments before issuing permits. They added that the project includes a replanting program to offset the loss, with thousands of new seedlings to be planted along the corridor and nearby green spaces. Critics, however, have raised concerns over the loss of mature trees that provide shade, help reduce urban heat, and support local biodiversity. Environmental groups called for greater transparency in the approval process and urged authorities to explore alternative routes that would spare older trees. The expressway forms part of ongoing infrastructure efforts under the current administration to modernize Manila's aging road network. Construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Watch the full video below: