Bantayan erosion blamed on ports

CEBU, Philippines —  A group of tourism stakeholders from Bantayan Island is calling on the government to redesign the island’s two ports, saying they contribute to the continued coastal erosion on the island.

Santa Fe Tourism Enterprises Association Inc. (SAFETEA), in a position paper submitted to the municipal government and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, said the largest shoreline retreat along the island’s eastern coast occurred near Baigad port in Bantayan town and the port of Santa Fe.

The paper said that from 1953 to 2012, maximum shoreline retreat north of Baigad pier was approximately 100 meters while coastal erosion south of Santa Fe port was about 50 meters. This was based on a study by the Marine Science Institute of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

In contrast, accretion or soil buildup of as much as 60 meters was noted north of Santa Fe port.

According to the study, the solid-based foundation of these ports prevents the continuous flow of sediments to the southern (downdrift) coastal segments, thus causing erosion there.

To solve this, the group sees the need to change the foundation of these ports from solid pile to stilts or larger culverts that would allow passage of sediments.

“Presently, the inner portion of the Santa Fe port is lined with culverts which are too small to allow sediments to pass through. If this portion can be enlarged, and several such openings can be created on its base, sediments will flow much more easily to the south,” a portion of the paper read.

As for the privately-owned Baigad pier, it was already closed in 2008. If renovated, though, the group suggests that the pier should have a stilt foundation.

Gifted with white sands and pristine seas, Bantayan Island – composed of the towns of Bantayan, Santa Fe, and Madridejos – is an important tourist destination in northern Cebu.

Santa Fe alone, which is a gateway to the island, recorded over 126,000 tourists last year based on the listings forwarded by 42 of the town’s 64 accommodation establishments.

Melanie Loyao, the town’s tourism officer, said tourist arrivals could have already reached about 200,000 that year if records from other firms are considered. With the closure of Boracay, she expects this figure to further skyrocket this year.

For his part, Santa Fe Mayor Jose Esgana acknowledges the problem of soil erosion in his town.

He said he will lobby to the national government to set aside funds for the construction of so-called “break-water” structures 100 to 150 meters from the shore to prevent the sea from penetrating inland.

No Demolitions, So Far

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 earlier revealed that at least 21 sea-encroaching structures on Bantayan need to be demolished. Of that number, 17 are from Santa Fe.

But Esgana yesterday said the municipal government has so far not received any written order to demolish such structures.

“If we, as a local government unit, will receive copy of that order, then as what we have discussed last time during the conference with the CENRO before the Holy Week, ang among na-resolve is we will continue asking these establishments to voluntarily demolish their structures within the 20-meter easement zone,” the mayor said.

Esgana said the municipal government has already sent notices to the owners to freely tear down their structures.

SAFETEA, however, appealed to the court and CENRO that they first do ocular inspection before giving a green light to the demolition.

Cleanup

Esgana, Environmental Management Bureau-7 representatives, and resort owners yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement for the Adopt an Estero/Water Body program.

The initiative aims to encourage locals and business owners to adopt a specific waterway or beach area and subject it to regular cleaning.

Before the signing, LGU workers, policemen, teachers, students, and other volunteers joined in mass cleanup of Santa Fe’s shorelines organized by SAFETEA.

Allan Monreal, member of SAFETEA, said the group’s War on Waste campaign has been running for two years now and they hope to institutionalize the drive to protect the town’s marine ecosystem.

Monreal said they are looking at doing monthly cleaning of the beaches.

Members of the Mermaid Project, a group of youth advocating for the protection of the environment, also joined yesterday’s cleaning. Project president Daryl Chrizz Rayco urged youngsters to join in campaigns that promote environmental preservation.

“Daghan kaayo’g ways aron ma-encourage ang mga youth sa pag-participate sa ingon ani nga event. I-invite lang gyud sila nato in a more colorful and meaningful ways kay we, as millennials, also want to be part of this cause,” Rayco said.

Meanwhile, Engineer Cindilyn Pepito-Ochea of EMB-7 downplayed concerns that Bantayan Island would suffer the same fate as Boracay, saying it is well-maintained and is still a “virgin island.” — JMD (FREEMAN)