2024 Mr. Universe 4th runner-up Markki Stroem turns 38 on Friday, March 14. The singer and actor will celebrate his special day with family and friends at the Masungi Georeserve to raise awareness of Masungi Georeserve's current conservation crisis. Located in the Sierra Madre mountain range in Rizal province, Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area known for its karst limestone formations, rich biodiversity, and eco-tourism initiatives. 

The site has gained global recognition for its sustainable conservation model, rehabilitating degraded land and serving as a haven for endangered species. 

Managed by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the reserve has been at the forefront of reforestation efforts in the Philippines. 

I asked the brilliant radio hosts of the Morning Rush, Chico Garcia, and Hazel Aguilon, to expound on this alleged land-grabbing issue. “The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently canceled its agreement with Blue Star Construction Development Corporation (BSCDC), the developer associated with the Masungi Georeserve. The DENR issued a vacate order, giving BSCDC 15 days to leave the premises occupied by the Masungi Georeserve. On the day of my birthday, they will have barely a week to vacate. I am trying to raise awareness with other environmental groups, conservationists, and concerned citizens to pressure the government to uphold its commitment to protecting Masungi. We even invited CNN International's anchor, Richard Quest, who visited the Masungi Georeserve, to film a documentary highlighting its conservation efforts. This feature is scheduled to air in April 2025, aiming to bring international attention to the reserve's ecological significance and its challenges. The Masungi Georeserve represents a rare success story in Philippine conservation, but its future is at risk due to aggressive land-grabbing efforts. I feel that the land-grabbing issue at Masungi is driven by political and economic interests. The reserve is over 2,700 hectares. Obviously, it is an attractive piece of real estate for greedy developers who see the land as a lucrative opportunity for resorts, housing developments, and agribusiness, disregarding its protected status. In addition, the surrounding areas of Masungi have historically been exploited for mining and illegal logging. Although the reserve is protected, entities with vested interests continue their attempts to acquire land for extractive industries.”

As an environmentalist, I am deeply saddened by this news. The ecological consequences will be severe if the Masungi Foundation loses this battle. 

Suppose they sell the land to avaricious developers who will build resorts and housing projects. In that case, the Masungi’s forests, which act as a natural buffer against typhoons and floods, will be destroyed. 

Wildlife dependent on the reserve’s unique ecosystem will be displaced, and the reforestation and carbon sequestration gains will be reversed. 

More substantial government intervention, public awareness, and legal action are crucial in ensuring that corruption and greed do not steal this natural treasure.

Protecting Masungi is not just about preserving a piece of land — it is about safeguarding the country’s environmental future for generations.