DENR plan to drop Masungi contract hit

A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday condemned the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) over its plan to cancel the memorandum of agreement between the government and the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc.

The DENR said that Masungi Georeserve, the private entity that operates the conservation area, is the subject of joint venture agreements and supplemental agreements for the development of government housing projects.

It also noted that the foundation's operation of "resort venues" that charge fees to the public is "noncompliant with Philippine laws," which the foundation denied.

In a statement, ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro said that the DENR's plan to cancel the agreement is a "direct threat" to the environmental integrity of Masungi Georeserve.

"This decision could lead to irreversible damage to a critical ecological area that serves as a natural shield against dangerous flooding in the National Capital Region," Castro said.

Masungi, Castro said, is not just a "piece of land" but a "vital ecosystem that protects us all. Opening it up for business development is shortsighted and potentially catastrophic."

She thanked international personalities, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, who lent their voices in protecting the georeserve located in Tanay, Rizal, noting that their support will amplify local efforts and bring international attention to the importance of preserving Masungi.

Moreover, she said that they would raise the issue of Masungi at the DENR's budget hearings, noting that it should be held accountable for its actions and explain to the panel why it is considering a move that could compromise environmental security.

"We urge the DENR to work with environmental advocates, local communities and concerned citizens to enhance the preservation of Masungi rather than opening it up to potential exploitation," Castro said.