DiCaprio urges Marcos to protect Masungi Georeserve

Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has called for the protection of the Philippines' Masungi Georeserve through a post on his Instagram page, urging President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to intervene.

Filipino celebrities including Glaiza de Castro, Anne Curtis, John Arcilla, and TV broadcaster Karen Davila have also expressed their support for safeguarding the protected area in Rizal province.

DiCaprio highlighted how local communities helped restore the area after illegal deforestation in the late 1990s, leading to increased wildlife populations and more community involvement.

However, he warned that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) threatens to cancel an agreement protecting Masungi from land-grabbing activities, which could jeopardize conservation efforts.

The actor urged Marcos to protect Masungi, sharing a link to a petition supporting the reserve.

Masungi Georeserve is home to 400 species of flora and fauna and has been threatened by DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga's plans to cancel a 2017 agreement with the foundation.