By 
John Lester Pantaleon, April 19, 2022
The Masungi Georeserve faces eviction as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources moves to cancel the controversial land agreement with the developer, sparking protests from environmentalists who warn that the eviction could jeopardise the reserve’s environmental protection efforts.
The Masungi Georeserve, a protected nature site in Rizal province, is now at the center of a heated dispute following a decision by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to evict Blue Star Construction and Development Corporation, the developer currently managing the site. The DENR also moved to cancel the Supplemental Joint Venture Agreement (SJVA) between the agency and Blue Star.
This action stems from the DENR’s findings that the SJVA, which covers approximately 300 hectares of land in Rizal, involved several irregularities. According to the DENR, the agreement was illegal because it lacked a presidential proclamation designating the land for housing, and Blue Star failed to adhere to the proper bidding process and meet the contract’s deadline for completing the Garden Cottages housing project.
The eviction notice has sparked widespread protests, with more than 100 conservationists and members of the indigenous peoples residing in the area denouncing the move. The protests, led by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI), called for the government to reconsider the eviction, stressing that it could put the wildlife sanctuary at risk and undermine environmental protection efforts in the region.
Despite the eviction notice, the DENR has vowed to continue protecting the Masungi Georeserve. However, politicians have expressed concerns over DENR’s ability to effectively manage the site and sought to investigate this ongoing legal dispute to protect the public interest.
Masungi Georeserve plays a critical role in Metro Manila’s environmental health. Located in a watershed and conservation area, it is vital for disaster risk reduction and helps regulate the water flow into the city. The reserve is also home to over 100 species of rare flora and fauna, making it a key component of the country’s biodiversity efforts. Additionally, the site has gained recognition as an award-winning geotourism destination, highlighting its importance in conservation efforts.
Sources and further readings:
Francisco, J. (2025, April 2). Masungi Georeserve bucks DENR junking of accord. BusinessMirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/04/02/masungi-georeserve-bucks-denr-junking-of-accord/.
Politiko. (2025, March 27). What went wrong? Cayetano seeks Senate probe on scrapped Masungi developer contract. Politiko.com.ph https://politiko.com.ph/2025/03/27/what-went-wrong-cayetano-seeks-senate-probe-on-scrapped-masungi-developer-contract/politiko-lokal/.
Untalan, S. (2025, April 1). Masungi Georeserve fights eviction as conservationists ask gov’t. for fair treatment. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/941271/masungi-georeserve-denr-eviction/story/?_gl=1*13s2le7*_up*MQ..*_ga*OTY1MzQ2Njk5LjE3NDM1MjE5ODg.*_ga_J329KM2X1X*MTc0MzUyMTk4OC4xLjAuMTc0MzUyMTk4OC4wLjAuMA.
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