DENR, Masungi Georeserve clash over compliance

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has released a statement addressing concerns about Masungi Georeserve after actor Leonardo DiCaprio called for its protection.

DENR maintains that the area is owned by Filipinos and that Masungi Georeserve Foundation's operations are non-compliant with Philippine laws, as they are under investigation by both houses of Congress.

Masungi Georeserve responded to DENR’s statement on X (formerly Twitter), challenging Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga to visit the site herself to see where conservation fees collected from visitors go.

The conservation area, known for its strict sustainability practices, houses over 400 species of flora and fauna and rare plants like the Jurassic Plant found only in Luzon.

Masungi Georeserve cited a Certificate of Non-Coverage from the Philippine Environmental Impact System and expressed concern over DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga’s intention to cancel the 2017 Memorandum of Agreement, which they continue to implement reforestation efforts despite ongoing legal challenges.

Leonardo DiCaprio has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intervene for the protection of Masungi Georeserve, highlighting its success in restoring deforested land and protecting it from illegal activities.