04 October 2005
Where have all the beaches gone?
By DANNY O. SAGUN
(PIA-Pangasinan)
SAN FABIAN – Will there be beach areas still left for the public here to enjoy with the unabated conversion of foreshore lands into private resorts and residences?
Councilor Saturnino Distor expressed fear over the possibility as he asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop the “invasion” of beach lands through indiscriminate issuance of so-called foreshore lease agreements (FLAs) and outright squatting.
DENR however has appeared helpless in resolving the problem as private resorts kept mushrooming from the popular Center beach west of the poblacion up to the border of this province and La Union.
“Outgoing provincial environment and natural resources officer Juan delos Reyes, the concerned local governments, as well as the barangay officials should take the lead in the campaign against squatting in public lands,” Distor said.
It was reported that some barangay officials in areas along the Lingayen Gulf have gone to the extent of conniving with unscrupulous businessmen by offering prime beach areas for a fee.
Bewailing this “unholy alliance,” Delos Reyes said the campaign against squatting needs a sustained, full coordination between his office and local officials.
He advised FLA applicants to refrain from occupying the area unless and until their applications are approved, stressing that a mere application does not authorize them to take hold of the property.
Such a practice was evident here and in other coastal areas like Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City where prime beach lands were being fenced off by supposed claimants.
A similar problem exists in barangay Maniboc in Lingayen.
Delos Reyes said a survey of the Gulf will finally determine the areas considered alienable and disposable and those that should be left untouched.
But a cursory inspection of the beaches here will easily show that many prime beach areas have already been occupied for private use.
Most affected by this illegal action, are beach goers and fishermen who could hardly make their way to the beach as most entrance and exit have been occupied or fenced now.
(PIA-Pangasinan)
SAN FABIAN – Will there be beach areas still left for the public here to enjoy with the unabated conversion of foreshore lands into private resorts and residences?
Councilor Saturnino Distor expressed fear over the possibility as he asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop the “invasion” of beach lands through indiscriminate issuance of so-called foreshore lease agreements (FLAs) and outright squatting.
DENR however has appeared helpless in resolving the problem as private resorts kept mushrooming from the popular Center beach west of the poblacion up to the border of this province and La Union.
“Outgoing provincial environment and natural resources officer Juan delos Reyes, the concerned local governments, as well as the barangay officials should take the lead in the campaign against squatting in public lands,” Distor said.
It was reported that some barangay officials in areas along the Lingayen Gulf have gone to the extent of conniving with unscrupulous businessmen by offering prime beach areas for a fee.
Bewailing this “unholy alliance,” Delos Reyes said the campaign against squatting needs a sustained, full coordination between his office and local officials.
He advised FLA applicants to refrain from occupying the area unless and until their applications are approved, stressing that a mere application does not authorize them to take hold of the property.
Such a practice was evident here and in other coastal areas like Bonuan Binloc in Dagupan City where prime beach lands were being fenced off by supposed claimants.
A similar problem exists in barangay Maniboc in Lingayen.
Delos Reyes said a survey of the Gulf will finally determine the areas considered alienable and disposable and those that should be left untouched.
But a cursory inspection of the beaches here will easily show that many prime beach areas have already been occupied for private use.
Most affected by this illegal action, are beach goers and fishermen who could hardly make their way to the beach as most entrance and exit have been occupied or fenced now.
