FILE

The Masungi Georeserve has emerged as one of the most significant conservation areas in the Philippines, playing a key role in protecting diverse ecosystems. With roots stretching back over a century, the area has become a focal point for environmental protection efforts and continues to face challenges from unauthorized activities.

The Early Beginnings

The foundation of Masungi’s protection began on July 26, 1904, when Executive Order 33 established the Marikina Watershed. This order reserved lands in Teresa and Baras to protect critical water sources. Over time, the importance of Masungi’s surrounding landscape became more apparent as the government continued to expand conservation efforts.

On June 26, 1969, Proclamation 573 created the Kaliwa River Forest Reserve, placing more of the area under protection. However, despite this initiative, Presidential Decree 324, issued on October 29, 1973, excluded 1,729 hectares from the reservation, opening it up to exploitation and development.

Renewed Protection as a National Park

In an effort to reverse the impact of earlier decrees, Presidential Proclamation 1636 was issued on April 18, 1977, declaring over 46,000 hectares, including the previously excluded land, as a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, and Game Reserve. This marked a significant victory for conservation advocates and reinforced the protection of Masungi’s unique biodiversity.

Legal Frameworks and Local Management

A crucial legal milestone occurred with the approval of Republic Act 7586 on June 1, 1992, which created the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). Under this act, Masungi and its surrounding areas were officially recognized as protected landscapes.

In 1993, DENR Secretary Angel Alcala signed a directive proposing that Masungi Rock and its surrounding areas be designated a strict nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary. This proposal highlighted the growing recognition of the area’s ecological value.

Later, on September 28, 2011, the DENR CALABARZON and the Municipality of Tanay entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the co-management of Masungi Rock.

The following month, Proclamation No. 296 declared the Marikina Watershed Reservation, including portions of Masungi, as protected areas. This protection, known as the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPC), encompassed lands across Antipolo, Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay.

In 2012, Tanay took a more active role by establishing the Masungi Rock Management Council (MRMC), with Blue Star Construction and Development Corporation (BSDC) designated as a private sector partner.

A year later, Tanay declared Masungi Rock a Local Protected Area, giving it additional legal recognition.

Perpetual Land Trust and National Recognition

One of the most significant developments in Masungi’s conservation history came in 2017, when the DENR entered into a memorandum of agreement with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation (MGF). In a press release dated April 2024, the DENR mentioned that the trustees of MGF are Ben Dumaliang, Ann Adeline Dumaliang, and Billie Dumaliang. The DENR said these are the same officers that are named under the SEC documents of BSDC.

Led by the late Secretary Gina Lopez, the DENR granted MGFI a Perpetual Land Trust to protect and sustainably develop 2,700 hectares of land. This would later become a subject of dispute and create a myriad of problems, as other groups perceived it as illegal.

Gina Lopez publicly shared the signing of the MOA on her Gina Lopez PH account on Facebook. Unfortunately, her appointment as DENR Secretary was cut short a few days after she was rejected by the Commission on Appointments in May 2017.

The Ongoing Battle Against Unlawful Activities

The passage of Republic Act 11038, also known as the Expanded NIPAS (ENIPAS) Act, on June 22, 2018, solidified the legal framework protecting Masungi and other vital ecosystems across the country.

The Masungi Georeserve continues to face challenges, as its current private partners are accused of unauthorized and unlawful activities within its bounds.

Nevertheless, the commitment of various organizations, local governments, and the private sector to conserving Masungi’s unique biodiversity and natural resources remains strong.

Masungi Georeserve stands as a testament to the importance of collaboration and persistent efforts in the face of adversity. Its history showcases both the successes and struggles of conservation in the Philippines, highlighting the critical role that legal frameworks, cooperative management, and community involvement play in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.