DiCaprio joins call for Masungi protection

MANILA, Philippines — Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has expressed support for the Masungi Geopark Project as he asked President Marcos to intervene in the planned cancellation of an agreement between the government and Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI) to protect the area.

In his Instagram post, DiCaprio said “conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection and climate action.”MANILA, Philippines — Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has expressed support for the Masungi Geopark Project as he asked President Marcos to intervene in the planned cancellation of an agreement between the government and Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI) to protect the area.

In his Instagram post, DiCaprio said “conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection and climate action.”

“Join local rangers in calling on President Marcos to intervene and continue to protect Masungi,” he added.

DiCaprio said the cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging and illegal development.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) stands by its plan to cancel the 2017 memorandum of agreement by the government and the MGFI, following DiCaprio’s call for Masungi’s protection.

“We appreciate the statements of concern for the Philippine environment from international celebrities who are distinguished in their respective fields. However, no one is exempt from the law,” the DENR said in a statement.

The DENR added that the department continues to take steps toward strengthening its compliance and enforcement capacities.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga informed the Senate that the Masungi Geopark Project was void from the start.

“The Filipino people own the area occupied by Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. and the operation of resort venues that charge the public for day tours, meetings and weddings remains non-compliant with Philippine laws,” the DENR declared.