Leonardo DiCaprio (left), ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (Facebook)

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro has thanked American actor Leonardo DiCaprio on Friday, July 5 for supporting a cause that is very close to her heart. 

Castro, a deputy minority leader, has strongly condemned the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its plan to cancel the Memorandum of Agreement  protecting the Masungi Georeserve. She warned that such a move would open the area to destructive business development. 

In this regard, the Makabayan solon expressed gratitude to international celebrities, including DiCaprio, for their support in protecting Masungi. 

"We thank Leonardo DiCaprio and other global personalities for lending their voices to this crucial cause. Their support amplifies our local efforts and brings international attention to the importance of preserving Masungi," she said. 

On Thursday, the Hollywood A-lister DiCaprio took to his social media to raise awareness about the Masungi situation.  

"Join local rangers in calling on President Bongbong Marcos to intervene and continue to protect Masungi. Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action. Protect Masungi Georeserve," he wrote. 

Castro says the cancellation of the MOA "is a direct threat to the environmental integrity of Masungi Georeserve". 

"This decision could lead to irreversible damage to a critical ecological area that serves as a natural shield against dangerous flooding in the National Capital Region," she said. 

"We will definitely bring this up at the next budget hearings. The DENR must be held accountable for its actions and explain why it's considering a move that could severely compromise our environmental security," noted the militant congresswoman. 

She said the agency should instead strengthen protections for the georeserve. 

"We urge the DENR to work with environmental advocates, local communities, and concerned citizens to enhance the preservation of Masungi, rather than opening it up to potential exploitation," Castro concluded.