Leonardo DiCaprio Voices Support for Protection of Masungi

Hollywood actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio enjoins local rangers to bring Masungi's protection to the attention of President Bongbong Marcos.

In an Instagram post featuring the photographs of Masungi forest rangers Monica Inonog, John Paul Magana, and Kuhkan Maas, alongside a video clip of the nature reserve, DiCaprio raises awareness about the current plight of the conservation area and geological park. The actor is known as a staunch advocate for the environment and sustainability, having been appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace for Climate Change in 2014.

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"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," his post reads.

"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," the eco-warrior continues.

DiCaprio urges local rangers "in calling on President @bongbongmarcos to intervene and continue to protect Masungi," adding that "conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action."

The actor's Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF), which was established in 1998, focuses on global conservation efforts, protecting endangered species, and addressing climate change. LDF has awarded over $80 million in grants to various environmental projects worldwide.

In a related news, a petition to preserve Masungi was submitted to the Office of the President at Malacañan Palace last June 5, in time for World Environment Day. The petition, signed by 10,000 people, called on President Marcos and DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to strengthen their support for the Masungi Geopark Project (MGP) and its dedicated defenders.

The petition underscored the importance of the MGP within the Upper Marikina Watershed, emphasizing that reforestation efforts are essential for safeguarding Metro Manila and Rizal province against natural disasters.

The signatories appealed to the Philippine government to resolve any issues with the project's agreement through transparent discussions instead of canceling the project, which would undermine the ongoing conservation efforts and jeopardize the ecological gains made so far.

Following DiCaprio's message about Masungi, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources released an official statement:

"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.

As the DENR continues to take steps toward strengthening its compliance and enforcement capacities, we value all those parties who have submitted themselves to the required processes and procedures as defined by existing laws.

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 is the same area that is subject of Joint Venture Agreements and Supplemental Agreement for the delivery of government housing projects. The owners of MGF are the same signatories of 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."

Masungi Georeserve responded through the comments section:

"The Masungi Georeserve is a non-profit conservation initiative run by the MGFI which is a non-stock, non-profit Foundation duly registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Masungi is therefore not a resort, which is built for the primary purpose of entertainment and profit.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) itself has said that MGFI has no outstanding tax obligations. Only light, local, sustainable, and temporary structures and features that enhance and sustain the character of the landscape are present.

Masungi is also known for implementing some of the strictest and most sustainable visitor protocols and carrying capacities in the country.

Contrary to the statement of the DENR, the trails have a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) which is the equivalent of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for projects with insignificant environmental impact as defined by the Philippines Environment Impact System.

UPDATED (July 4, 2:50 p.m.): This article has been updated to include DENR's statement following the report.