Music is a universal language, resonating deeply across cultures and movements. From John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance," an anthem for the anti-war movement, to Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" of the 1970s women's liberation movement, and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way," celebrating individuality and promoting LGBTQ+ rights, music has consistently fueled social change.
The power of music was on full display on April 21, 2024, as musicians from various generations united for Earth Day at the “Rock for Masungi” Solidarity event held at the GT-Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. The lineup featured icons of the Philippine music scene, including A.M.P. Band, Michael V., Bayang Barrios at ang Naliyagan, Cooky and Color it Red, Skarlet Brown, Joey Ayala at Ang Bagong Lumad, Noel Cabangon, and Rannie Raymundo.
The event opened with an Interfaith Prayer Rally, providing a profound perspective to the gathering. Strongly worded prayers for the threatened Masungi Geopark reforestation project and its defenders were delivered by notable religious leaders, including Father Christian Buenafe of the Order of the Carmelites, Father Arthur Nebrao from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Father Rene Cabag of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Datu Yasirarafat Bansawan from the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, Pastor Jon Dave Angeles from the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, and Eduardo Mendoza, a dedicated leader in Ang Lingkod ng Panginoon and Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon.
Younger performers also graced the stage, with Paolo Sandejas, DJ Marco Molina, and Keiko Necesario, who performed her new single "Planeta" in time for Earth Day.
Live speeches from various personalities enriched the event, including environmental storyteller and advocate Celine Murillo, Congress members France Castro (ACT Teachers Party-List) and Raoul Manuel (KABATAAN Party-List), Nelia Dela Carzada from the Katutubong Dumagat-Remontado community, Mitzi Jonelle Tan from Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines and Fridays for Future, Masungi Park Rangers Irene Rayton and Ruben Delasada, and Pretty Queen Cañamales from Angat Taytay.
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, in his video message, called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and relevant government agencies to collaborate with the Masungi Georeserve Foundation in environmental protection. He urged citizens to stay informed, vigilant, and supportive of the foundation.
Other notable figures, including honorary ranger Nadine Lustre, SB19’s Justin de Dios, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, UN Women Ambassador Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Senator Nancy Binay, and Atty. Gerthie Mayo-Anda of the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), also delivered messages of support through videos.
The program concluded with a symbolic candle-lighting ceremony, signifying solidarity for the cause.
The event was a resounding success, providing a platform for advocates of Masungi to unite and prepare for the ongoing fight for its preservation. As one participant shared on Facebook, “I went to the Rock for Masungi event last night with my family to support the cause and ended up really enjoying the concert that lasted almost six hours! That was an unexpected treat for us. As one of the performers said, we preserve what we enjoy, and boy, did we enjoy ourselves.”
He also praised the performers and production while expressing confusion over DENR's actions. “We really need to preserve this area if we want to have a livable future,” he added.
Organized by the Friends of Masungi, and led by Ateneo Alumni Association Treasurer Goody Hernandez, the event sent a strong message to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga and the DENR. Through a representative, Hernandez stated, “We're gathered here to show our unwavering support for Masungi Georeserve and send a clear message to the DENR: the incredible community that has witnessed the vital conservation work at Masungi will not stay silent in the face of its possible cancellation or nullification.”
Hernandez criticized Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga for refusing to visit Masungi or engage in meaningful dialogue with its stakeholders. “Even worse, the DENR has resorted to blatant disinformation. Just yesterday, they published a press release filled with false allegations against Masungi,” Hernandez added. One of the evening's most memorable moments was Noel Cabangon’s performance of Kanlungan: "Ang mga puno't halaman ay kabiyak ng ating gunita. Sa paglipas ng panahon, bakit kailangan ding lumisan? Pana-panahon ang pagkakataon, maibabalik ba ang kahapon? (The trees and plants are the other half of our memories. As time passes, why must they also leave? Opportunities are seasonal, but can yesterday ever return?)."
Reflecting on these words in the context of environmental preservation, the event became a poignant reminder of nature as our "kanlungan," our cherished home and refuge. Masungi is a sanctuary not just for its vibrant flora and fauna but also for the countless souls it has touched, inspiring a renewed or deeper bond with the Earth. Now, more than ever, we must seize this moment to fight for Masungi, to protect this conservation project before it slips away from us forever.
