San Antonio San Antonio San Narciso Zambales Coastal Road Words by A ZAMBALEÑO Photographs as Credited Project 22
With little to be known about the complete plan, a section of the rumored construction of a coastal road running alongside the coast of the whole Zambales Province has been seen in San Miguel, San Antonio (Facebook) as well as other sections seemingly being constructed in the towns of Botolan and San Felipe. Due to lack of information available for evaluation of the public, a rise of speculations and concern has been brought upon by the citizens among who are environmentalists, land, property and resort owners as well as commercial operators. Information of this concern has been obtained by the writer from several sources such as the Capital and Municipal Councils’ land offices where construction is under way. All have claimed that they have “heard rumors about it” but cannot verify that any information is available bringing forth even more insecurity on the actual plan to be followed. Therefore, the writer has decided to interview the side of the affected by such construction. Below are the potential issues this rumored coastal road will bring forth to the citizens mentioned above. 1. Environmentalists Zambales coastline holds an important role in providing breeding grounds for critically endangered sea turtles. Environmental groups such as turtle hatcheries who are located and operate in Zambales with accreditation and approval from the DENR are concerned that this rumored construction road will negatively impact the natural breeding of these sea turtles through the concrete embankments that will be constructed like in San Miguel, San Antonio. Sea turtles travel a great amount around the oceans of the world; however, they have been researched and proven to return to the shore they were born (natal homing) to lay their eggs. Sea turtles are an important part of the ecosystem as they involve themselves in a mutual relationship with many other aquatic species. Thus, destruction or even interruption of this reproductive cycle could negatively impact not only the sea turtles but the entire ecosystem. Additionally, the change in weather conditions causes the entire coastline of the West Philippine Sea to be subject to erosion and accretion which may potentially destroy the rumored road leaving the beaches of Zambales with boulders broken concrete and in complete shambles. 2.Property Owners In areas where construction is yet to take place, some 40 property owners were quite baffled as they were shown the video of the completed coastal road located in San Miguel, San Antonio. They stated that this was never discussed nor even announced. If in an instance, it was announced, they have all stated their opposition for such project or proposal since they originally owned/purchased a property with higher value such as a “beach front” instead of a “road front” property with less value. Several mentioned that their titles All have claimed that they have “heard rumors about it” but cannot verify that any information is available bringing forth even more insecurity on the actual plan to be followed. stated either the West Philippine Sea or on older titles, the South China Sea, with a provision that 20 meters from sea will remain a “Salvage Zone” or in case of accretion, there is the option of claiming the said lands under the disposal of alienable lands act. 3. Resorts and Recreation Owners/Operators Amongst the resort owners/ operators, safety was their biggest concern as they opposed the rumored project. Zambales is visited by many tourists each year for its gorgeous beaches. Many tourists deem that crossing a road to avail of a swim or walk at the beach would be very dangerous for kids and even elders. In addition, resort owners/operators also consider the financial disadvantage of such project. Firstly, the value of their property would greatly decrease similar to property owners as discussed above. Secondly, their annual or even seasonal income would be greatly affected, thus, affecting the income of the national, provincial and local government earned via the issuance of business permits that are assessed on the gross revenue income. Legal and moral issues were also brought forth such as: “Under PD 1067, A DECREE INSTITUTING A WATER CODE, THEREBY REVISING AND CONSOLIDATING THE LAWS GOVERNING THE OWNERSHIP, APPROPRIATION, UTILIZATION, EXPLOITATION, DEVELOPMENT, CONSERVATION AND PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES. Article 51. The banks of rivers and streams and the shores of the seas and lakes throughout their entire length and within a zone of three (3) meters in urban areas, twenty (20) meters in agricultural areas and forty (40) meters in forest areas, along their margins are subject to the easement of public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage. No person shall be allowed to stay in this zone longer than what is necessary for recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing or salvage or to build structures of any kind.” Evidently, accretion has increased along the coast of Zambales between the properties and the sea. Automatically, 23
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