EDITORIAL - Reckless endangerment

In recent years, there was a scandal linking local politicians to black sand mining in Pangasinan and the illegal export of the mineral-rich substance. Rumors also persist that the sand used by China to construct artificial islands in the South China Sea came from the Philippines, courtesy of a local operator.

Now residents of Batanes are complaining that their top tourist spot, in the island-municipality of Sabtang, is endangered by sand extraction. The activity is unauthorized, but a local politician notorious for flouting laws is the one involved in the sand extraction for a road project, according to the Sabtang Association Against Graft and Corruption.

The sand is reportedly being extracted from Morong or Nakabuang Beach, where the so-called Nakabuang Rock Arch formation draws an average of 250 visitors daily. The government collects a fee of P200 from each visitor. The tourism also generates livelihood opportunities for residents. A day tour of the island on a tricycle from the town proper four kilometers away from the arch, for example, costs about P800.

Obviously, the Nakabuang Arch and surrounding rock formations need to sit on solid ground, which in this case is made of sand. If the reports are accurate, however, that ground and the Sabtang environment in general are being eroded by the personal interests of one influential politician. This is a depressingly common story in many parts and aspects of life in this country.

Batanes has benefited from its growing popularity as a tourism destination. The island has features unique in this country: trees stunted and gnarled, like large bonsai, by the gales that regularly buffet the province; buildings with unusually thick adobe walls so they can withstand the powerful winds. Centuries-old churches and the unique indigenous Ivatan culture add to the appeal of Batanes.

The province deserves as much protection as Boracay from environmental damage. The Nabuang Rock Arch is a treasure not just of Batanes but of the country. Authorities must stop the illegal sand extraction before it is too late.