Masungi Georeserve disputes DENR’s claims behind contract termination

Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI) has disputed one of the reasons cited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for terminating its contract with the Masungi developer.

Last Friday, the DENR outlined alleged offenses by Blue Star, including its failure to deliver a 5,000-unit Garden Cottages housing project, which was to be completed within five years of the contract's signing in November 2002.

The Rizal-based reserve developer argued that the DENR had failed to fulfill its obligation to create the housing units.

“DENR did not fulfill its contractual obligation to deliver the project site clear and free of large-scale illegal occupants and claimants,” MGFI’s statement said.

The group also presented photos of land titles showing multiple private claimants asserting ownership of Lot 10, the site where the georeserve is located.

Along with private claimants, several quarry companies also presented titles claiming the land based on the photos shared by Masungi Georeserve.

Billie Dumaliang, Masungi Georeserve Foundation’s Director for Advocacy, accused the DENR of "abusing its power in broad daylight."

“After abandoning Masungi to the wolves for decades, the DENR under Yulo-Loyzaga is now shamelessly trying to force out its private sector partner, abusing its power in broad daylight,” Dumaliang said in a statement.

The group warned that if the DENR's actions proceed, the efforts of MGFI will be “at grave risk.”

Environmentalist and senatorial candidate David D’Angelo also voiced his support for Masungi Georeserve's management, stating, “The environment must always win in any issues between the national government and the management of the conservation site.”