Photo credit: Masungi Georeserve

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is making headlines again—but not for the reasons you’d hope. Instead of going after illegal loggers, destructive quarries, or land grabbers, the agency under Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga is now targeting Masungi Georeserve and its affiliated company, Blue Star. Yes, the same Masungi that has been globally recognized for its conservation efforts.

What’s the Issue?

The DENR recently issued a Notice of Cancellation for Blue Star’s 2002 Supplemental Joint Venture Agreement (SJVA), which covers a 300-hectare lot in Masungi Georeserve. This move has raised serious concerns among environmental advocates, who see it as an attack on one of the country’s most significant forest protection projects.

For over two decades, Masungi and Blue Star have been fighting to protect the area from land grabbers and illegal quarrying—often at great risk. Instead of supporting these efforts, the DENR seems more focused on invalidating the agreements that made this conservation work possible.

A Look Back at the Agreements

Back in 1996, Blue Star entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with the DENR to develop a sustainable housing project for government employees. The project promised a 70% green space to 30% development ratio, aiming to curb land speculation in the area.

Then, in 2002, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved an extension of the agreement, adding 300 hectares (Lot 10/Masungi Georeserve) to the project. This was completely within legal bounds—government projects can be expanded under specific conditions without additional bidding.

The real issue? DENR never fully complied with its obligations. The agency was supposed to clear the land of illegal occupants and ensure smooth implementation, but it failed to do so. Now, instead of fixing its mistakes, it’s turning the blame on Masungi and Blue Star.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about a contract dispute—it’s about the future of environmental conservation in the Philippines.
Masungi Georeserve has been hailed internationally as a conservation success story. Even the late Secretary Gina Lopez called it “the only good thing happening in the area.”

The Philippines is already the most dangerous country in Asia for environmental defenders. By targeting Masungi, the DENR is putting forest rangers and conservationists at even greater risk.

The move could set a dangerous precedent—if the government can easily cancel agreements protecting our forests, what’s stopping them from prioritizing business interests over environmental preservation?

What’s Next?

Blue Star and Masungi have yet to receive a formal notice of cancellation, but they’re prepared to fight back. They believe legal remedies are available to counter this move and ensure the protection of Masungi’s forests.

At this point, it’s clear that this isn’t just about one project. It’s about whether the government will support conservation—or sell out to commercial interests.

Will you stand with Masungi? Let’s hold the DENR accountable and fight for our forests before it’s too late.