by Yeenna Yllizah C. Cruz
Envision this scenario: droplets of sweat rolling down your skin, the sunlight scorching into your room, the electric fan whirring and blowing warm air onto your face. It is a scenario all of us are very much familiar with. The heat has become an enemy to every Filipino; going out becomes unbearable, doing tasks are dreadful, and our heads spin due to the intense waves of heat.
From April to May, the Filipinos have noticed the shocking rise and intensity of heat caused by El Niño. PAGASA issued that numerous cities in various regions face alarming temperatures that range from 41°C to 53°C (De Vera-Ruiz, 2024). Due to the dangerous climate, classes have been canceled in both public and private institutions across the country, people are having heat-related illnesses, and the agricultural sector plummeted because of the drought.
There is still an ongoing battle against the heat that many people are trying to provide solutions for in hopes to persevere in this critical climate. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) promotes the urban green spaces available in our country. They stated that natural forests and parks have less heat and provide evaporative cooling which can help combat the dangerous heat the country is facing right now (Rita, 2024). Manila’s ‘last lung’, the Arroceros Forest Park, is said to be 5°C cooler than the reported heat index, according to News 5. However, the number of accessible forests and parks that the majority can frequent is quite few, considering that big cities like Metro Manila are filled to the brim with asphalt and cement buildings. As such, there are only little-to-no spaces that can be available for a decent green space. Environmental issues and concerns have been rampant in the Philippines during these past few years and the government is no stranger to creating plans that pose a great risk to our environment and natural resources. In result, these hazards have contributed to the intense heat that we’re currently experiencing.
In the presence of calls for accessible forests and parks, news of preserving and protecting our fewest natural environments have resurfaced. One of which includes the Masungi Georeserve. The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area in Baras, Rizal that is home to various animal species and plant life. In an Q&A session with Mongabay, the co-founder and managing trustee of Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Inc. (MGFI) Ann Dumaliang mentions the threats that are affecting the georeserve such as illegal quarrying, land-grabbing, illegal logging, and violence against forest rangers. There is even a planned wind farm project that threatens to eliminate the animals living in the site (Beltran, 2024). These issues have been prevalent since 2020 and up until now, the MGFI and its supporters have been continuously fighting against them. Multiple well-known figures have shown support and advocated for the protection of Masungi, including Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg.
But despite such efforts, the threats still loom over Masungi. Amidst these, the DENR and MGFI has an ongoing feud regarding the protection of the site. Billie Dumaliang, the sister of Ann Dumaliang, stated, “Hindi na nga mabantayan ng DENR ang ating mga protected areas, gusto pa nilang tanggalin ang isa sa mga nangungunang organisasyon na nagtataguyod dito?” With the current actions of DENR, many fear over the possible destruction of this important ecological site as it contributes to not just the environment, but also the climate of the Philippines.
The biodiverse sites have been the backbone of the country’s ecosystem. It contributes immensely to our livelihood more than we can ever imagine; it affects the food we eat, the water we drink and use, the air we breathe, and the climate we are experiencing. Not only that, those who suffer greatly are those who are impoverished with limited natural resources. With these hazards plaguing our natural spaces, the country will be reduced to nothing but a land trapped in heat. Environmentalists like Ann Dumaliang urges everyone to make the right decisions and to care about our environment, to be led by love rather than apathy for the environment and our natural resources.
And to be led by love means caring about our many environmental issues, starting with Masungi. One may begin with fighting for the protection of the forest rangers and workers, becoming aware of the illegal businesses within, joining environmental projects like tree planting, and advocating for its preservation and safety. Even simply learning about what’s happening and sharing about it are good ways to start. It is time that we refrain from fanning the flames, but to actually start extinguishing them with small courses of actions.
PUP Campus Journalists 