San Miguel to plant 82 trees for every one affected by SALEX project

Insider Spotlight

• San Miguel Corp. will plant 50,700 replacement seedlings for 617 trees affected by its SALEX expressway works
• The commitment translates to about 82 new trees for every affected tree
• Ninety-four trees were identified for relocation, with more than 30 already transferred to other sites in Manila
• The project’s tree management activities are covered by DENR-approved permits and safeguards

San Miguel Corp. said on Monday that it will plant 50,700 replacement seedlings for the 617 trees affected by the construction of the Manila segment of its Southern Access Link Expressway Corp. (SALEX), while relocating dozens of trees that can still be preserved under a DENR-approved environmental management plan.

The replacement program equates to roughly 82 new trees for every tree affected by the project, one of the largest greening commitments tied to a major urban infrastructure development in Metro Manila.

What stands out

In a statement on June 1, 2026, San Miguel said preservation efforts are being pursued wherever technically feasible. Of the affected trees, 94 were found suitable for earth-balling and relocation. 

More than 30 have already been transferred to other sites in the City of Manila, while the remainder will be preserved and relocated where site conditions allow.

The company noted that earth-balling involves carefully unearthing and preserving a tree’s root system, but the process is not always possible in areas with underground utilities, nearby structures, limited road space, or where tree conditions make transplantation impractical.

Why it matters

The tree management activities are part of the pre-construction phase of the 3.97-kilometer Manila section of the Southern Access Link Expressway, which will traverse portions of Quirino Avenue, San Marcelino Street, and Roxas Boulevard. 

The project has drawn public attention because of its impact on mature roadside trees in a densely built urban corridor.

San Miguel said the current alignment was selected after evaluating multiple alternatives and was deemed the most feasible option because it satisfies engineering and structural requirements while minimizing displacement of residents and avoiding wider disruption to public and private infrastructure.

By the numbers

Under permit conditions issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, San Miguel is required to provide 50,700 replacement seedlings consisting of indigenous forest species as well as fruit-bearing or economically viable trees. 

The seedlings will be planted in DENR-designated sites and maintained for a mandatory three-year period.

The company said it is also reviewing opportunities to strengthen the program through the use of larger saplings, community greening sites, and shade-planting initiatives. 

The replanting effort forms part of its broader environmental compliance commitments for the 40.65-kilometer expressway network designed to improve connectivity and reduce congestion across Metro Manila. — Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma