Nancy Binay worried over cancellation of Masungi contract

Senator Nancy Binay has expressed "grave concern" over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) recent announcement regarding the cancellation of its 2002 contract with Blue Star Construction Development Corporation.

The DENR has also ordered the Masungi Georeserve Foundation to vacate the conservation area, sparking concerns over the future of this vital ecological sanctuary.

"Masungi is for our children and our children's children. Ngayong pinaba-vacate nila ang Masungi Georserve in 15 days, ano ang vision at plano ng DENR para mapangalagaan at maprotektahan ang Masungi? (Now that they are ordering the Masungi Georserve to vacate in 15 days, what is the vision and plan of the DENR to preserve and protect Masungi?)" Binay asked, as she emphasized the DENR's responsibility under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act to ensure the conservation of protected areas.

A staunch environmentalist, Binay has been to Masungi and personally witnessed the sacrifices of young volunteers who have successfully gathered global support for the site—without the DENR’s help.

"Kaya’t nababahala po tayo sa magiging resulta ng kanselasyon ng kontrata ng Blue Star. Alam nating walang kakayanan ang DENR na saluhin ang anumang kasalukuyang aksyon na ginagawa ng foundation (We are therefore concerned about the outcome of the cancellation of the Blue Star contract. We know that the DENR does not have the capability to take over any current actions being undertaken by the foundation)," she said, as she highlighted the DENR's lack of personnel, capability and resources to manage the georeserve effectively. 

Masungi Foundation has been globally recognized  for its tireless efforts in protecting the georeserve, elevating environmental awareness, and earning international recognition. 

"Sa totoo lang (The truth is), these young volunteers have proven to be better guardians than the DENR, gathering needed support from all sector even without the agency's help," Binay noted.

The senator expressed fears that the cancellation of the joint venture agreement could lead to increased illegal activities, environmental neglect, and security issues.

"Ngayon pinapa-vacate na ng DENR ang Blue Star at mga volunteers, maipapangako ba sa atin ng DENR na mananatiling 'no-take and no-build zone' ang Masungi? (Now that the DENR is asking Blue Star and the volunteers to vacate. Can the DENR promise us that Masungi will remain a 'no-take and no-build zone'?)" she said.

Binay said she would appeal to the President to convene the DENR, BuCor, DOT, LGUs, and other stakeholders to resolve the overlapping legal issues surrounding Masungi. 

"We need to find a win-win solution to all parties, seek for remedies and a cure to the legal issues hounding the Masungi Georeserve. Protected areas like this are crucial for biodiversity, water, and climate action—kaya nakakabahala na basta na lamang magdedesisyon ang DENR na walang nakahandang malinaw na plano o mga personnel man lamang na may kakayanang bantayan at protektahan ang Masungi (which is why it is worrisome that the DENR would make a decision without having a clear plan in place or personnel capable of monitoring and protecting Masungi)," she emphasized.

Binay warns that if everyone becomes complacent, the Filipino  people might wake up one day to find that the mountains and protected areas are gone.