Inspired by the naturalist Rizal, group lends voice to end destructive activities in Masungi

The Knights of Rizal (KOR), an organization dedicated to the propagation of Jose Rizal’s thoughts, ideas and works, joined the campaign to stop illegal activities within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape and the Masungi Georeserve Project (MGP).

The KOR particularly urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the government agency mandated to conserve natural resources and protect the natural environment, to immediately stop and cancel the patently destructive and misplaced quarry agreements and resort project approvals within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL) and the Masungi Georeserve Project (MGP).

The KOR issued a statement to “lend [their] voice to the long overdue imperative to protect our forests, waterways, oceans and biodiversity.”

“It is the policy of the state to protect and promote the right of every Filipino to a balanced and healthy ecology. In pursuance thereof, every citizen should do its part to care for and protect our natural heritage including forests which serve as our sole natural defense against disastrous floods, landslides, and other calamities,” it said.

Frustration over endless loss of lives and property

“We hereby join the call for strict, resolute and diligent enforcement by the DENR, DILG, LGUs and the police of the NIPAS Law, Forestry Code, Water Code, Building Code, and other environmental laws,” it added.

The KOR joined a growing people’s campaign after experts, civil society groups, and indigenous peoples expressed frustration over the endless loss of lives and property from floods and landslides aggravated by the continued deforestation of the Upper Marikina Watershed.

A recent report from scientists at the National Museum of the Philippines underscored the sensitivity of Masungi’s karst landscape to major disturbances, which they said could have expensive consequences to lives and the economy.

“[Harmful developments] have long destroyed our forests and waterways and irresponsibly put the lives and property of our countrymen downstream in peril. The recent summer flood and landslide in Leyte killing about 200 Filipinos is a wake-up call,” it said.

Probe of questionable activities and DENR regional director urged

The KOR also expressed alarm over reports of alleged questionable activities of a former DENR provincial environment officer and an active police general inside the protected watershed area, both of which the DENR has yet to squarely address.

Concerned citizens are urging the investigation and resignation of DENR CALABARZON Regional Director Nilo B. Tamoria over allegedly fast-tracking swimming pool resort project approvals inside the protected watershed and acting as a mouthpiece of vested interests against the Palace’s own orders to prosecute violators.

Protecting the Rizal mountains

“The MGP and other genuine non-government conservation initiatives must be supported, strengthened and replicated, not harassed, weakened or undermined. They show us what can and should be done. They are doing the country good and proud and deserve nothing less than gratitude from the DENR,” it stressed.

The KOR statement was inspired by Dr. Jose Rizal, who is regarded by many as the country’s first naturalist. Rizal collected specimens of plants and animals while in exile in Dapitan and sent them to museums in Europe for further study.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a cultural, non-sectarian, non-partisan, non racial, civic and patriotic organization chartered under Republic Act 646, as an instrumentality by which the teachings of our foremost national hero Dr. Rizal may be propagated among the Filipino people, and others who may believe in his teachings to the end that they emulate and follow his examples.

Statesmen and prominent personalities who became leaders or members of the KOR include Elihu A. Ybañez, Gerardo V. Calderon, Reynato S. Puno Sr., Hilario G. Davide, Jr., Carlos P. Romulo, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, and several presidents of the Philippines such as Diosdado Macapagal, Ferdinand E. Marcos, and Fidel V. Ramos.