The Marilaque Highway, stretching from Marikina to Infanta, is a scenic forest road that is home to diverse wildlife and trees. It is within the national park, wildlife sanctuary, and game reserve declared under Proclamation No. 1636, a habitat of the IUCN Endangered Philippine Hawk Eagle, eight IUCN Vulnerable bird species, six IUCN Near-threatened bird species and several other threatened animal and plant species.

Alarmingly, we have observed more than 8,000 trees along Marilaque marked for cutting or trimming. Some trees have already been cut, without clear public notice of the tree cutting permit and the project details. The tree cutting activity, the location of the project in a protected area, and the presence of endangered species make this project an environmentally critical project in an environmentally critical area, which requires a full-blown environmental impact assessment. However, the permits and the assessments have not been made available to this day. We are yet to receive response from the DENR about this concern despite our follow-up. 

We implore that the project contractors explore all efforts to reduce the impact and minimize the number of trees that will be cut as much as possible. We also demand clear and transparent plans for replanting trees to replace those that have been cut. 

We call upon the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and local government officials to investigate the tree-cutting activities along this highway, ensuring the necessary Environmental Impact Assessments and other pertinent compliance documents be accomplished to minimize the impact on the protected area. 

Sign this petition to urge governmental bodies to take swift action in safeguarding the trees along the Marilaque Highway, ensuring that the Marilaque stretch remains green and diverse. Stand with us in this critical effort to preserve the natural heritage of the Marilaque Highway.