Leonardo DiCaprio joins call to protect Masungi Georeserve
Award-winning actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has joined the call to help protect Masungi Georeserve amid threats from mining, logging, and illegal developments.
On Thursday, June 4, DiCaprio took to Instagram to highlight how local communities restored the rainforest after it suffered illegal deforestation in the late 1990s.
He also noted that the conservation efforts are now in “jeopardy” amid the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to cancel the 2017 agreement that protects the conservation area.
“This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments,” his caption read.
He also urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to "intervene and continue to protect Masungi."
“Join local rangers in calling on President [Bongbong Marcos] to intervene and continue to protect Masungi. Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action,” he added.
Signed under former Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, the 2017 agreement stated the need to plant and nurture trees to help the restoration of a 2,700-hectare area in the Upper Marikina River Basin and Protected Landscape.
As per Philippine News Agency's (PNA) previous report, the Department of Justice had previously ruled that the government's "perpetual land trust for conservation" agreement with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Inc. (MGFI) in 2017 does not comply with the limitations set by the constitution, citing Article 12 Section 2.
'No one is exempt from the law'
The DENR reacted to DiCaprio's post on July 4 afternoon: "We appreciate the statements of concern for the Philippine environment from international celebrities who are distinguished in their respective fields. However, no one is exempt from the law."
"The Filipino people own the area occupied by Masungi Georeserve Foundation and the operation of the resort venues that charge the public for day tours, meetings, and weddings remains non-compliant with Philippine laws," it said.
"It is the same area that is the subject of Joint Venture Agreements and Supplemental Agreement for the delivery of government housing projects. The owners of MGF are the same signatories to the JVA and SA that have been investigated by the DENR and is currently subject of investigation in aid of legislation by both houses of Congress."
Located in Baras, Rizal, Masungi Georeserve is famous for its lush and scenic green landscapes and cool climate. Some activities offered are exploring the Discovery Trail and Legacy Trail.
The foundation also earned recognition from the 2024 Asia Pacific Social Innovation Partnership Awards (APSIPA) by Taiwan, 2024 World Economic Forum, as well as in the 2022 UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Campaign under the Inspire category for its commendable efforts to save and preserve the environment.