The provincial government of Zambales has reinforced its warning against the illegal construction of permanent structures on coastal accretion areas. This warning comes as the region faces heavy rainfall linked to the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Coastal Erosion and Environmental Regulations
The resort owners refused to admit the legal truth about the land they acquired through illegal means.
Zambales Provincial Government Official
Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. highlighted that strong waves and erosion are damaging beachfront resorts. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been collaborating with local government units to enforce regulations and has placed permanent warning signs in the area.
Despite these efforts, illegal constructions persist. An official from the provincial government criticized resort owners for ignoring the legal implications of their land acquisitions, emphasizing that nature will reclaim what belongs to it.
Some resort owners have attributed the erosion to the Zambales River Restoration Project, which is authorized to dredge silted river channels but not the sea. DENR-3 Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo clarified that dredging operations are confined to designated zones.
Marife Castillo, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer, confirmed ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. She encouraged residents to document any suspicious dredging activities.
In response to the situation, Zambales Provincial Consultant for Development and Infrastructure Engr. Domingo Mariano announced a halt to all construction activities within the accretion area. This measure aims to protect public safety and preserve the environment.
Local government executives have been instructed to monitor illegal constructions closely and identify those responsible for selling land in the accretion zones.