Journalists and lawmakers visit the Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal on February 24, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

BARAS, RIZAL — Fifteen days since Blue Star Corporation, the firm that developed Masungi Georeserve, received a notice of cancellation of a 2002 agreement and eviction from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, no bags were packed and no structures were dismantled. 

Instead, dozens of its supporters gathered for Masungi Nature Defense Camp to call on government to engage in a dialogue towards achieving a fair and sustainable resolution to the dispute.

The group urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to suspend DENR’s notice to give way to a thorough review of the the orders.

“Ultimately, sana ma-revoke ito. Alam natin nung mga nakaraan taon kung gaano kalaking bagay na may restoration at protection efforts na nangyayari sa paanan ng Upper Marikina Watershed,” said Masungi Georeserve Foundation co-founder Ann Dumaliang.

(We hope it ultimately gets revoked. We know, from previous years, how important restoration and protection efforts are at the foot of the Upper Marikina Watershed.)

DENR cancels deal with Masungi developer, orders them to vacate area

In a press conference on March 7, the DENR announced the cancellation of its Supplemental Joint Venture Agreement with Blue Star Corporation on the basis of several violations including; 1) lack of the required Presidential Proclamation declaring the subject matter of the contract for housing purposes; 2) no document to prove that the proposed construction went through regular procurement or bidding process; and 3) failure to deliver the 5,000-unit Garden Cottages housing project within five years from signing on November 15, 2002.

The notice was received by Blue Star 10 days later.

Blue Star has since addressed the violations cited by the DENR saying it is not accountable for the reported 5,000 missing housing units because the contractual timeline has not commenced “due to DENR’s inability to clear the site of illegal occupants and claimants.”

It has also explained that the SJVA adheres to applicable government procurement laws.

“Yung laughable, siguro yung sinasabi nila sa procurement law. Yung agreement was entered into when, 2002 tapos yung procurement law na cinacite nila was 2003. So siyempre kung ano ang procurement law noong 2002, yun ang magaapply.”

(What’s laughable is the claim on the procurement law. The agreement was entered into in 2002. They were citing the procurement law of 2003. Of course the law that will apply would be the procurement law in 2002.)

Dumaliang said despite a notice to vacate, they will continue to stand their ground.

“They cannot enforce an eviction without having to go through court processes. We hope that DENR at least opens room for dialogue and does not undertake violence or any activities that would compromise the security of the place even further.”

Dumaliang said they have repeatedly written letters, requested dialogues and encouraged site visits to Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, something which she said has gone without a response.

She also highlighted the stark difference of Masungi before and after their efforts. 

A part of the Upper Marikina Watershed and Southern Sierra Madre, Masungi provides not just biodiversity but protection from extreme weather events.

“Watershed areas like these really are lifelines. Not only do they provide water security but they also stop flooding from happening further downstream. We’re not just talking about biodiversity here or the restoration of green spaces but ultimately also the security of all downstream communities that are reliant help of these places.”

MGF said an eviction would put decades worth of efforts to waste including protection of forests, the livelihood of stewards and the ecosystem services of the landscape.

As of writing, the DENR has yet to disclose plans with regard to MGF’s eviction nor has it addressed Blue Star’s earlier statements.