Environmental group defends Masungi

ENVIRONMENTAL conservation organization Panatang Luntian on Sunday stood in solidarity with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc., after the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources canceled its contract to manage a protected area in Tanay, Rizal.

The group condemned the DENR's action because it failed "to protect the environment from exploitation."

"As of 2024, the Philippines' forest cover is a mere 24 percent, far below the ideal 40 percent target set by the Forest Management Bureau. The cancellation notice jeopardizes vital conservation efforts, threatening both wildlife protection initiatives and the livelihoods of forest rangers and local Indigenous communities whose lives are very connected with nature and are dedicated to preserving our biodiversity," Panatang Luntian said.

"As pledgers for the environment, we must stand in support behind organizations working to safeguard our forest ecosystems. We must hold corporations accountable for their relentless quarrying operations in Rizal, which continue to cause environmental disasters and burden local communities. We remain steadfast in our mission to raise awareness within our communities about the critical importance of protecting our wildlife and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come."

On Friday, the Facebook page of Masungi, which is also a wildlife sanctuary, said the DENR is at fault for refusing to carry out its contractual obligations to clear the area of illegal occupants and several other concerns.