The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered a developer to vacate a 300-hectare section of the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal province, citing legal violations and a botched housing project.

On Thursday, the DENR scrapped its 2002 agreement with Blue Star Construction Development Corporation, saying the deal was illegal from the start. Officials accused the company of failing to build promised housing units, ignoring procurement rules, and restricting government access to the area.

But the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI), which runs conservation efforts at the site, isn’t backing down. The group is slamming the government for failing to clear illegal settlers from the land and warns the eviction could pave the way for commercial exploitation.

Broken Promises?

The controversy dates back to 1997, when Blue Star signed a deal with the government to develop a 130-hectare housing project. Five years later, the project was expanded by another 300 hectares. But officials say the original plan never got off the ground.

“No substantial housing units were built,” said DENR Assistant Secretary Norlito Eneran. “There was no bidding process, and the project missed its five-year deadline.”

Investigations into the project began in 2014, uncovering what the government claims were multiple violations, including illegal construction, charging entrance fees without permission, and fencing off land in the georeserve.

DENR officials are now under investigation over the failed project, with the Office of the Ombudsman looking into possible corruption.

Masungi Fights Back

The Masungi Georeserve, known for its stunning limestone formations and reforestation efforts, has become a battleground between environmentalists and developers.

MGFI says Blue Star won the project fair and square and blames the government for delays.

“Let’s be clear – it’s DENR that’s at fault,” MGFI said in a fiery statement. “They failed to clear the area of illegal occupants and encumbrances, making it impossible for the project to move forward.”

The foundation, which funds its conservation work through eco-tourism, warns the move threatens environmental defenders and could lead to private companies taking over the land.

“This isn’t just about Masungi—it’s an attack on every Filipino fighting to protect our natural heritage,” the group said.

Ann Dumaliang, one of MGFI’s trustees, said the land had already been “lost to other interests” and that her group had been working to restore it.

Growing Tensions

The dispute has been simmering for years, but tensions are escalating. In April 2024, two forest rangers were attacked by suspected residents of nearby Baras, Rizal.

Environmental groups say Masungi plays a key role in protecting Metro Manila from floods and landslides—and warn that government mismanagement could put it at risk.

For now, MGFI says it hasn’t received an eviction notice and vows to fight the order.

The DENR hasn’t responded to the group’s claims but insists the agreement was illegal.

📷 Masungi Georeserve FB