Leonardo DiCaprio (left) and President Bongbong Marcos | Photo: Instagram/@leonardodicaprio, @bongbongmarcos
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio voiced his support for Masungi Georeserve as he urged Philippine President Bongbong Marcos to intervene and help protect the area outside Manila, amid reported commercial encroachment and the planned cancellation of its contract with the government.
The “Titanic” actor, who is a known advocate for the environment, took to Instagram on Thursday, July 4 (Philippine time) to give educational information about Masungi, as he affirmed that the protected area in Tanay, Rizal, is now in danger and most likely to face threats of mining and logging, among others.
“Masungi is a lush montane rainforest landscape outside of Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines. In the late 1990s, much of Masungi was illegally deforested. Local communities fostered the development of the @masungigeoreserve, spurring efforts to restore this precious ecosystem. From these conservation initiatives, trees were able to grow taller, wildlife numbers slowly increased, and more locals became involved in protecting this ecosystem,” wrote the actor in his caption with pictures and video of the Masungi.
“Now this success is in jeopardy, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources threatens to cancel the agreement that protects this area from prolific land-grabbing activities. This cancellation would set back the success of an internationally acclaimed conservation effort and leave the area vulnerable again to mining, logging, and illegal developments,” continued the Oscar winner.
DiCaprio then raised his concern by mentioning Marcos in his post, as he stressed that Masungi will help the Philippines in sustainability aspects.
“Join local rangers in calling on President @bongbongmarcos to intervene and continue to protect Masungi. Conservation successes like Masungi serve as a reminder that the Philippines can become a leader in sustainability, eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and climate action,” explained the Hollywood star.
DiCaprio has been an outspoken advocate for environmental causes throughout much of his career. At the age of 24, he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) with the purpose of raising awareness about environmental issues and fighting climate change.
He also starred in a number of films that push for environment awareness, as well as hosted the documentary film “The 11th Hour.”
During his speech as Oscar Best Actor winner in 2016 for “The Revenant,” he even made a pitch about climate change being a real thing. “It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species, and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating,” he said.
In April, Filipino celebrities Nadine Lustre and P-pop boy group member Justin De Dios of SB19 also joined the call to help protect Masungi.
Masungi Georeserve is managed by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation Inc. (MGFI) and funded by the private firm Blue Star Construction & Development Corporation.