ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE | Masungi official raises concerns on drilling operations in conservation area

February 14, 2024 , 01:26 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(February 14, 2024) – An official of the Masungi Georeserve Foundation on Tuesday raised the alarm over the drilling operations for the construction of wind turbines in the conservation area in Rizal and urged the public to also monitor the situation due to its environmental implications.

Billie Dumaliang, the cofounder and managing trustee of the foundation, said they conducted two meetings with the company involved but it appeared that it did not have any intention of changing its plans.

In an earlier statement, the Masungi Georeserve Foundation said the drilling operations were conducted by Rizal Wind Energy Corp. and it allegedly had the support of a Singapore-based company. Both firms have yet to comment on the matter.

“Despite our initial dialogues, they have not even shown any intent to reconsider their plans and that is exactly why we are escalating the campaign and we want to involve more people here,” said Dumaliang on One News’ The Big Story.

She acknowledged that the issue has various layers since it involves a renewable energy project in a conservation area. But stressing their support for renewable energy, she explained that projects related to it must be done in the proper areas.

“The principle for renewable energy development should be that they pick locations that will have the least impact to the natural environment. If you don’t do that, then no mitigation will ever repair the kind of damage that you have to irreplaceable landscapes like Masungi,” warned Dumaliang.

The Masungi Georeserve Foundation posted photos of the drilling operations on Facebook, lamenting its damaging effects on the limestone formations. It noted that the photos were taken late last year.

It also cited an administrative order from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources that “strictly prohibits applications for industrial or commercial uses of the area.”

“This incident not only poses a severe risk to our invaluable biodiversity but also highlights the problematic aspects of transitioning to renewable energy sources without due consideration for environmental integrity,” read the post.

The Masungi Georeserve has been touted as a sanctuary because of the abundance of natural resources, wildlife, and plants found in the area.

In previous years, the foundation raised the alarm over the attacks on its rangers and flagged illicit activities like quarrying and land-grabbing.

Dumaliang said the government must be clear about its policies to avoid creating an unfair situation for any party.

“At the end of the day, the company will spend money, will spend resources, and if the government isn’t clear that this is not the place where you can do it, then sayang din ‘yung resources ng renewable energy investors natin,” explained Dumaliang, adding that the public can help amplify their campaign to protect the environment.

(PM)

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