An environmental group said the cutting of 199 trees in Lanang, Davao City to pave way for the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC) Project was done at the wrong time.

Environmental group Interfacing Development Intervention for Sustainability-Davao Executive Director, Atty. Mark Peñalver, said the cutting of mahogany trees was done at the wrong time as the intense heat still prevails and the wet season is approaching.

In an interview over GMA Super Radyo Davao, Peñalver explained that the would have provided shade during hot weather and help control floodwaters during heavy rains. 

Peñalver said there are other ways to advance development while protecting the environment.

The cutting of trees, which started last week, has a permit from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao (CENRO DENR-12) issued last March 21, 2024.

The groundbreaking of the Samal-Davao Bridge project was held in October 2022. It was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

The project is funded by a P18.67 billion loan agreement between the Chinese and Philippine governments.

The 3.98-kilometer project is expected to be finished in 2027. The two-way, four-lane bridge aims to cut the current 15-minute ferry ride to Samal Island from Davao City to just a five-minute road travel.