The group of cultural heritage defenders Manileños for Heritage (M4H) warned that more than 50 cultural and historic sites in Manila may be affected by the Southern Access Link Expressway (SALEX) project.

The concern stems from the planned route of the expressway passing through Quirino Avenue, San Marcelino Street, and Roxas Boulevard—sites of various historic structures, such as monuments, churches, and parks.

In the group’s initial investigation, those that may be directly or indirectly affected include Casa Tesoro, the Jose P. Laurel Foundation Building, and the Elpidio Quirino Monument. Also at risk are sites dating back to the Spanish colonial period such as Malate Church, Fort San Antonio Abad, and Paco Park.

The group noted that structures from the American period and the postwar era may also be affected, including buildings within the Philippine General Hospital and University of the Philippines Manila.

Even structures beyond the direct route may be affected, such as Syquia Apartments, as the landscape will change and their prominence will be diminished once the elevated expressway is built.

Aside from buildings, M4H also recorded old trees along the route—such as narra, mahogany, acacia, and fire trees, some of which have already been cut or are set for removal.

The group warned that the project may compromise the protection of cultural heritage, environmental conditions, and the quality of life of residents.

The SALEX project and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were earlier denounced for cutting more than 200 old trees along Quirino Avenue. Widespread criticism and protests from environmental groups forced the DENR to suspend the planned cutting of at least 617 trees.

SALEX is a project of the infrastructure arm of San Miguel Corporation. It is designed to speed up traffic flow between the southern part of Metro Manila.

Advocates of cultural heritage urged government agencies to conduct a more comprehensive cultural impact assessment of the SALEX project. They insist that Manila’s historic landscapes must be protected alongside efforts to develop transport infrastructure.