Siquijor resorts warned over illegal foreshore use
COOLING DOWN Locals and tourists cool down at Salagdoong beach resort at Barangay Olang in Maria, Siquijor. Government teams have inspected resorts in the province to check on compliance with foreshore use and easement regulations. —LEO UDTOHAN
TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged resort owners and occupants along the coastline of Siquijor province to comply with foreshore regulations and legal easement requirements, warning that violations could result in penalties and legal action.
The DENR assessed 107 coastal resorts across the island province, based on the agency’s foreshore program inventory. Of these, 84 resorts were found to be operating without approved applications or proper documentation, while 23 have pending foreshore lease applications (FLAs).
The highest number of undocumented resorts was recorded in the town of San Juan with 51 establishments, followed by Larena with 14, Lazi with 7, Siquijor with 6, Enrique Villanueva with 5, and Maria with 1.
Siquijor, often dubbed “island of fire,” is famous for its white sand beaches.
Meanwhile, the pending FLAs were in the towns of San Juan, 11; Siquijor, 4; Enrique Villanueva, 3; Lazi and Maria, 2 each; and Larena with 1.
READ: DENR shuts Quezon resort for encroaching into protected land
The DENR’s mandate under Executive Order No. 192, according to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, is to protect, conserve, and ensure the proper use of the country’s natural resources for present and future generations.
Public domain
The agency stressed that foreshore areas remain part of the public domain and may only be utilized through lease agreements, not through land titling.
READ: DENR closes 3 resorts in protected areas in Baras, Rizal that lack permits
The agency also reminded resort operators that no construction activities should proceed while FLAs are still under review.
Under existing regulations, legal easement requirements measured from the highest tide line are set at 3 meters for urban areas, 20 meters for rural areas, and 40 meters for timberland areas.
The DENR urged resort owners and the public to support responsible coastal development and environmental stewardship to help preserve Siquijor’s coastal resources and natural beauty. /cb
