Green Juris Launches #TulayNaTama: Campaign for Truth, Clarity, & Environmental Justice

On April 21, environmental defenders and concerned residents took a bold legal step by filing a Petition for a Writ of Kalikasan before the Supreme Court. The petition calls attention to the ongoing and irreversible damage caused by the current alignment of the Samal Island–Davao City Connector (SIDC) project—an alignment that directly threatens two critical marine ecosystems: Paradise Reef in Samal and the Hizon Marine Protected Area in Davao City.

The petitioners assert that the construction violates several key environmental laws, including the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act, the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, and local marine protection ordinances. These are not hollow claims; they are backed by years of scientific warnings, community grievances, and visible ecological loss.

The Need for Clearer Communication

Despite the urgency and legal weight of the petition, public reaction has revealed a serious gap in communication. Misleading headlines and social media posts have given rise to the false notion that the Petition seeks to completely stop the construction of a Samal-Davao bridge. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

In response, Green Juris, a student-led environmental legal advocacy group from Ateneo de Davao College of Law, is launching the #TulayNaTama social media campaign.

What Is #TulayNaTama?

At its heart, #TulayNaTama aims to make one thing clear:

We are not against building a bridge. We are against building the WRONG one.

The Petition calls for a realignment of the SIDC—not cancellation. The current route cuts through vibrant coral ecosystems that take centuries to form. Experts have identified alternative alignments that are less environmentally damaging, more cost-effective, and equally capable of connecting Samal and Davao.

Through infographics, video explainers, testimonials, and community conversations, the campaign will work to correct the narrative and provide digestible, science- and law-based information that resonates with the people of Davao and Samal.

Key Messages of the Campaign:

“Bridge, Yes—But Not Like This.”

“Gusto nato og tulay. Pero ang tama, dili dapat makaguba.”

“Dili kami kontra-tulay. Kontra kami sa sayop nga alignment.”

“Naay mas maayong ruta—mas barato, mas luwas para sa dagat.”

Be Part of the Movement ✊🌱

This campaign is by the community, for the community—and we need your voice.

📢 Calling all social media managers, graphic designers, writers, vloggers, and eco-advocates!

Help us tell the real story and fight for a future where progress and protection go hand in hand.

📝 Volunteer for the campaign: bit.ly/GJTulayNaTamaSignUp

📝 Join the movement of #TulayNaTama: www.change.org/realignthesamalbridge