by Nicasio Angelo Agustin
Summer vacation is about to end. This gives a few more chances for parents to treat their children to that much needed break before the opening of classes.
With the current level of temperature and humidity in the metropolis and other urban areas in the country, the most likely destination is the nearest beach resort. Just this weekend, I noticed hordes of people, including whole families, making their way to the most accessible and affordable beach resorts.
The shorelines–according to national policy–are considered part of the public domain and therefore should be accessible to all—for free. Every citizen has the right to enjoy his/her country’s natural resources. Yet, many of our public beaches, even foreshores, have been leased to private individuals or companies who in turn have fenced them off after duly acquiring the “absolute” right to regulate their use.
This practice of leasing portions of beaches for private use stands in the way of other people’s desire to leisurely enjoy the beauty of nature without having to pay for the privilege. As a rule, priv ately run beach resorts have the final say as to who may, or may not, have access to them—usually for a price which only the rich and famous can afford, to the utter exclusion of the poor. Access to such resorts depends on the capacity and willingness to pay for the services provided in these parts of the public domain.
Leasing the foreshore could be considered as part of the government’s strategy to manage the use of the resource. With privately-owned resorts established, the upkeep of their designated or leased areas could be ensured and their sustainable use guaranteed which the government is unable to do by itself. It does make a lot of sense to allow private individuals and property developers to take over the management of some parts of the coastline. In the end, the total benefits derived far outweigh the possible social and environmental costs. This belief assumes, however, that the resort owners are themselves responsible for protecting environmental integrity by complying with environmental laws and regulations at all times even as they allow people and activities to congest in these areas.
A little over three years ago, the government conducted a series of ocular inspections of these resorts in Southern Mindanao, only to discover that more than 90 percent of these establishments violated some crucial environmental laws, such as the manner of disposing their solid and water wastes.
Resort owners generate much profit from the operation of their establishments. They also create employment opportunities and boost the tourism industry potential of an area, thereby enhancing prospects for economic growth and advancement for the whole community. Other sectors of the community which have no interest in going to these places can benefit from taxes paid by resort owners which ultimately go to the improvement of basic social services. Thus, social equity is ensured! But then again, that is something devoutly to be wished by responsible citizens.
As part of the consumer public, it’s okay with me if I have to pay to gain entry to privately owned resorts as long as these establishments exercise good discretion in making sure that the beauty of nature is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
In the beginning, we all had free access to these resources. What we did not have back then was discipline – on how to treat and use these resources. In the current scheme of things, I just simply hope that everybody – individuals, families, resort owners and the government – should have that sense of responsibility and play their respective roles well to take care of our beaches so that we can all have somewhere to refresh ourselves not only during summer time but anytime throughout the year, from generation to generation.
Feel free to send your comments to nic_agustin@yahoo.com.
