₱1.69-B Marikina bridge project raises concerns over impact on 500+ trees, plants

The upcoming Marcos Highway–St. Mary Avenue Bridge is supported by ADB and DPWH.

“No to tree-cutting” signs have appeared around trees along St. Mary Avenue in Marikina, as residents raise concerns over an internationally supported bridge project that may affect hundreds of trees and plants in the area.

Netizens first noticed on July 17 that banners reading “Save me! Say no to tree-cutting!” had appeared on trees along St. Mary Avenue.

Residents believe the signs are in response to the upcoming Marcos Highway–St. Mary Avenue Bridge project, which is supported by the Asian Development Bank and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

According to a 2025 ADB report, about 514 trees and plants may be affected by the project. The brief did not explicitly indicate whether these will be cut down, only noting a “loss of trees and plants.”

The bridge will cross the Marikina River to connect the residential Provident Village district to Marcos Highway. The proposed two-lane bridge will span 1,606.3 meters and cost ₱1.69 billion.

While authorities have already conducted consultations with affected communities, some residents have opposed the project due to concerns over displacement and flooding. Others fear that construction work may worsen flooding in the already flood-prone area.

Last May, a tree-cutting project along Quirino Avenue in Manila that affected 94 decades-old trees sparked public outrage. It prompted residents in other areas to scrutinize similar projects in their localities.

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