On Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the cancellation of its 2002 agreement with Blue Star Corp., the company responsible for the development of the Masungi Georeserve. The cancellation stems from alleged “illegality” in the contract.
Masungi Georeserve Foundation Responds
In a statement, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation expressed its concerns, claiming the government has chosen to target conservation efforts instead of going after those responsible for damaging the environment. The foundation emphasized that the conservation deal remains valid unless a court rules otherwise.
In a letter addressed to Blue Star owner Ben Dumaliang, the DENR outlined several reasons for the contract’s termination:
- Lack of the required Presidential Proclamation designating the contract’s subject matter for housing purposes.
- Absence of documentation proving the proposed construction followed the proper procurement or bidding process.
- Failure to complete the 5,000-unit Garden Cottages housing project within five years of the agreement’s signing on November 15, 2002.
Blue Star Ordered to Vacate Georeserve Area
DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, Norlito Eneran, confirmed that Blue Star must vacate the 300-hectare area where the Masungi Geopark is located. Eneran stated in a press conference that the management of Masungi Geopark has 15 days from the notice’s receipt to vacate the land.
When asked if this meant dismantling the geopark, Eneran replied, “That is one option, but the general idea is for the DENR to take control of this area, along with other agencies that have rights over the land.”
This move would lead to the government’s control of the Masungi Georeserve, a popular ecotourism destination in Baras, Rizal. The Masungi Georeserve Foundation previously reported that it had successfully reforested areas that were once barren.
Masungi Georeserve Speaks Out
The foundation criticized the DENR for continuing to approve projects that harm the country’s watersheds, such as destructive quarries, private resorts, and industrial ventures. Instead, the foundation accused the DENR of targeting Masungi, a globally recognized conservation initiative, and Blue Star, which initiated the area’s protection efforts two decades ago.
For years, Masungi Georeserve has been defending the Sierra Madre mountain range from land grabbers, illegal quarrying, and powerful interests that threaten the area.
In 2021, a Masungi park ranger, Kuhkan Maas, survived a shooting incident linked to a dispute over the land, one of several confrontations involving land developers and claimants.
Housing Project Agreement Controversy
Eneran stated that the 1997 joint venture agreement between DENR and Blue Star was never finalized, rendering the 2002 Supplemental Agreement invalid. The DENR claimed that the housing project outlined in the agreement was to be located in Lot 10, but instead, structures were built, including the Masungi Georeserve, a resort charging visitors for activities such as cave treks, stone formations, trails, and rope bridges.
Eneran also pointed to multiple investigations by different administrations that found irregularities in the awarding of contracts to Blue Star.
In response, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation clarified that Blue Star entered into a joint venture with the DENR in 1996 to develop a sustainable housing project for government employees. This project was meant to have 70% green space and 30% development. In 2002, an additional 300 hectares of land were included in the agreement, which later became the Masungi Georeserve.
The foundation also stressed that the government could expand or extend such projects without additional bidding, as outlined by the law. It accused the DENR of failing to clear the area of illegal occupants and land claims, delaying the project and causing significant harm to its private sector partner.
Masungi’s Response to Alleged Violations
Billie Dumaliang, Trustee and Director for Advocacy at Masungi Georeserve Foundation, addressed the alleged violations in an interview. She defended Blue Star’s actions, noting that the company had been competitive in the bidding process for the 1997 agreement, and explained that the DENR’s failure to remove illegal occupants led to delays.
Dumaliang also clarified that the fees collected by the Masungi Georeserve were not for profit but to fund conservation efforts. She rejected claims that the fences erected by Blue Star were obstructing DENR personnel, insisting that the fencing was necessary to protect the project site from speculators. She also pointed out that numerous invitations had been sent to the DENR Secretary to visit the site, but no response was received.
Ongoing Dispute
As of now, neither Blue Star nor the Masungi Georeserve Foundation has received the official notice to vacate the 300-hectare area.
Dumaliang reiterated the foundation’s commitment to continue its fight for the environment and urged supporters to stand with them against what she called the DENR’s “repression tactics.”
Global Support for Masungi Georeserve
Masungi Georeserve has gained international recognition as a popular hiking destination. In July 2024, Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio appealed directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to protect the Masungi Georeserve. Environmental advocates like primatologist Jane Goodall, climate activist Greta Thunberg, and musician Sting have also voiced their support for protecting the site.
Credit: ABS-CBN News, Masungi Georeserve FB page
