The activities form part of the pre-construction phase of the 3.97-km Manila segment of SALEX, which will pass through portions of Quirino Avenue, San Marcelino Street and Roxas Boulevard.

The Southern Access Link (SALEX) is a proposed 40.62-kilometer mixed elevated viaduct and shoreline expressway, to be divided into four sections: C3-R10 Extension, Shoreline Expressway, Quirino Extension, and Buendia Extension.

The C3-R10 Extension will seamlessly connect Skyway Stage 3 at Sgt. Rivera in Quezon City to the proposed Shoreline Expressway at R-10. Simultaneously, the Shoreline Expressway will begin at Ayala Bridge, winding through Ayala Boulevard, San Marcelino, Padre Faura, A. Mabini, Pedro Gil, and Roxas Boulevard.

Meanwhile, the Quirino Extension will strategically link Skyway Stage 3 at the Quirino Interchange to the proposed Shoreline Expressway and Roxas Boulevard through an elevated structure.

The final extension will ambitiously link the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX) to the intersection of Gil Puyat Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, Skyway Stage 3, and EDSA.

This project, aimed at easing future traffic and fostering economic development in Metro Manila and Central Luzon, will also provide direct access to the New Manila International Airport (Bulacan Airport).

SMC SALEX said the clearing works are needed to build the elevated expressway along the approved alignment. The company said several design options were studied, and the current alignment was found to be the most feasible because it meets structural and engineering requirements while reducing displacement of residents and avoiding wider disruption to public and private infrastructure.

The activities are covered by permits issued by the DENR following a technical assessment and tree inventory of the project corridor. 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 rest will be preserved and relocated where site conditions allow.

SMC SALEX said earth-balling is being pursued where technically feasible, but not all trees can be relocated using this method. The process requires unearthing and preserving the root system, which may involve extensive excavation and may not be viable in areas with limited road space, underground utilities, nearby structures, or trees that are not suitable for transplantation.

The company said it is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the affected trees, including their species, age, health, condition and treatment, to provide an accurate account of which trees were removed, relocated or replaced, and identify further ways to minimize impact.

Under the permit conditions, SMC SALEX is required to provide 50,700 replacement seedlings consisting of indigenous forest species, as well as fruit-bearing or economically viable species. The seedlings will be planted in sites designated by DENR-NCR and maintained over a mandatory three-year period.

The company said it is coordinating with the DENR and other concerned agencies to identify opportunities to strengthen the greening program, including the possible use of larger saplings in suitable areas, community greening sites, and shade planting where these can be properly maintained.

SMC SALEX said replacement planting is part of a longer-term effort to restore green cover in areas affected by the project, and forms part of its broader compliance with its Environmental Compliance Certificate. The company said this includes mitigation measures during construction and urban greening components upon completion of the project.