The Masungi Georeserve Foundation expressed hope that newly appointed Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla will usher in a “new dawn” of engagement with conservationists, despite raising questions due to his ties to the energy sector.
Masungi Managing Trustee Ann Dumaliang welcomed Lotilla’s designation, noting his positive reputation among social impact practitioners and the academe. His appointment follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a Cabinet reset through courtesy resignations.
“I hope that his leadership signals a new dawn — one that embraces communication, partnership for action, environment protection and genuine inclusivity of conservation frontliners as integral to our national progress,” Dumaliang said.
Masungi, which works to conserve the limestone formations and biodiversity of the Upper Marikina Watershed, has been in a long-standing dispute with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The group claims their efforts have been nearly undone by the previous administration’s decisions.
In March, former DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga voided a 2002 agreement with Masungi and ordered them to vacate their conservation site in Rizal. DENR argued it resolved legal complications tied to Masungi’s parent firm, Blue Star Construction and Development Corp., citing unfulfilled obligations.
Masungi countered that the issues stemmed from the government’s failure to remove illegal structures and developments. The foundation warned that their removal would endanger conservation progress, “leaving only a carcass for greed to devour.”
Despite its openness to dialogue, Masungi acknowledges the environmental sector’s reservations over Lotilla, especially regarding his prior support for fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and the reversal of a coal plant moratorium during his stint at the Department of Energy.
“Lotilla takes over the DENR at a time of worsening climate, pollution and biodiversity crisis. We urge him to stay true to the mandate of the DENR to protect and conserve the environment for the welfare of present and future generations of Filipinos,” said Jasper Inventor, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
Masungi reiterated its commitment to work collaboratively with the new DENR leadership and to continue advocating for environmental protection.