Viral DENR logo redesign slams agency over Quirino Avenue tree cutting

The redesigned version altered the iconic tree in the DENR seal by adding jagged cuts and missing sections. More strikingly, the green lines at the bottom of the logo were redesigned to resemble the exposed trunks and stumps left behind after decades-old trees along Quirino Avenue were cut down — a visual detail many netizens immediately connected to the controversial project.

The post quickly gained thousands of reactions, comments, and shares, with many Filipinos interpreting the artwork as a criticism of what they see as the contradiction between DENR’s environmental mandate and the continuing removal of mature urban trees in Metro Manila.

Some netizens said the altered logo looked more reflective of the current environmental situation, while others remarked that the fragmented tree design symbolized how urban greenery is slowly disappearing in favor of infrastructure projects.

The viral redesign comes amid growing public concern over the cutting of large trees along Quirino Avenue, with critics questioning whether replacement seedlings can truly offset the environmental value of trees that took decades to grow. Environmental advocates have long pointed out that mature trees play a major role in reducing urban heat, minimizing flooding, and improving air quality in densely populated cities like Manila.

Pining, a Mandaluyong-based contemporary Filipino visual artist, is known for his bold geometric style and pop-inspired visual language. A Fine Arts graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, he has collaborated with major brands including Starbucks, FamilyMart, and Jollibee, and gained international attention after inspiring NBA star Klay Thompson’s ANTA sneaker collaboration.

But this time, it was a simple logo edit — charged with symbolism and public frustration — that turned into one of the most talked-about environmental commentaries online.