DOT claims no trees to be cut for Nayong Pilipino mega vaccination site

The Department of Tourism (DOT) claims that no trees will be affected by the construction of a mega vaccination facility at Nayong Pilipino in Parañaque City.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stated that approximately 500 ipil-ipil trees would not be cut down, and the facility would be built around existing grasslands and trees.

The Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) was informed of this plan, and its former Executive Director had previously raised concerns about environmental impact and legal processes.

An environmental group, Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), has demanded proof from the DOT, requesting an environmental impact assessment to validate the claim that no trees will be cut.

Kalikasan PNE also wants assurance that risks from being near an isolation facility are mitigated and that alternative, more suitable locations were considered.