Hollywood actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio has publicly appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to protect the Masungi Georeserve amidst discussions to revoke a 2017 agreement between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI).
DiCaprio, known for his dedication to environmental causes, used Instagram to highlight the imminent threats to Masungi, including mining and logging, which could severely damage the protected area in Tanay, Rizal.
“Masungi is a lush montane rainforest landscape outside of Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines. In the late 1990s, much of Masungi was illegally deforested. Local communities fostered the development of the @masungigeoreserve, spurring efforts to restore this precious ecosystem. From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem,” DiCaprio wrote, alongside photos and videos of the reserve.
He continued, “Now this success is in jeopardy, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources threatens to cancel the agreement that protects this area from prolific land-grabbing activities. 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.”
DiCaprio urged President Marcos to intervene, saying, “Join local rangers in calling on President @bongbongmarcos 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.”
Several notable Filipino celebrities and personalities supported DiCaprio’s call. Arci Muñoz, John Arcilla, and TV broadcaster Karen Davila expressed their agreement in the comment section of DiCaprio’s post.
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John Arcilla commented, “Thank you so much for this awareness and call @leonardodicaprio. Such a noble endeavor; it’s a pity that we Filipinos ourselves are not even aware of this. Thank you. I will definitely share this.”
Arci Muñoz added, “Thank you. The people depending on our environment are our most vulnerable sectors who haven’t been given enough of a voice to protect the natural resources that they love and rely on.”
Karen Davila remarked, “Thank you @leonardodicaprio and Bravo @masungigeoreserve for keeping on! Amazing to see the world stand with the brave work you do!”
TV host and actress Anne Curtis also showed her support on Twitter, saying, “We must protect [MasungiGeoreserve] [crying emojis]. I have yet to visit but have been meaning to go!”
We must protect @MasungiGeo I have yet to visit but have been meaning to go! https://t.co/5qCr2DQ5Q4
— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) June 13, 2024
In response to these concerns, the DENR issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to upholding the law in the area. “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 DENR stated.
The agency emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance compliance and enforcement capacities, acknowledging all parties adhering to established legal processes.
The Masungi Georeserve is managed by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI) and is funded by the private firm Blue Star Construction & Development Corporation.
