SAN NARCISO, Zambales — The municipality of San Narciso takes part in the International Coastal Cleanup Day by removing trash and foreign debris from beaches in Barangay La Paz on Tuesday.
ON A MISSION Over 300 government workers, community leaders, youth leaders and environmental advocates participate in a coastal cleanup activity in Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales on Sept. 2, 2025. PHOTO BY MAHATMA RANDY DATU
At the same time, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) identified structures that are illegally built in accretion areas where land has formed over time due to the natural deposit of soil, sediment or other materials by water.
San Narciso Mayor La Rainne Abad-Sarmiento, meanwhile, expressed her appreciation to volunteers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard and private organizations for participating in the cleanup drive.
The more than 300 volunteers collected 200 sacks of solid waste materials, mostly single-use plastics like straws, bottles, candy wrappers and food packaging.
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The mayor also reminded coastal residents and beach-goers not to throw or leave their garbage on the beach.
“Because the sea will bring them back to your houses during typhoon,” she said.
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Penro chief Marie Castillo, on the other hand, lauded the mayor for launching the cleanup program under the theme “#SeaTheChange” ahead of the official International Coastal Cleanup Day on Sept. 20, 2025.
Castillo noted that the province of Zambales is popular among local and foreign tourists for its beautiful lush greens and beaches to enjoy.
“However, the public has to be more responsible to maintain the sea and shores clean, and preserve its natural ecosystem,” she said.
“We should all be advocates for the restoration and protection of coastal ecosystems.”
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Castillo said after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, a large portion of lahar flowed to the river system towards the sea, where it was deposited to form part of the extended shoreline, forming an accretion area.
The accretion area went farther to the sea due to rain and flood, she said.
“The accretion area seems normal to see but underneath it lies soft and unstable sand deposits,” Castillo said.
“That is why the DENR prohibits the construction of any permanent structures inside the accretion area or danger zone. No land titles for any part of the accretion area were issued to this date.”
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Despite DENR warnings, several structures have been built within the “danger zone.”
The Penro chief also noted that some individuals may have acquired business and building permits for a beach resort.
To ensure that government policies on accretion areas are properly implemented, Environmental Management Board (EMB) and Mining and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will survey the area to identify properties that are illegally constructed inside the so-called danger zone.
Initial survey revealed that there are investors who bought lots near the beach without being informed by the sellers that the properties are within the accretion area. Some investors have already constructed resort facilities and other structures.
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“We have not all short of reminding them, and we have put signages, that it is prohibited to build any structure in the accretion area,” said Castillo, who added that her office has stated sending notice of violations to concerned property owners in the area.
Castillo explained that the accretion area is owned by the government.
“Since Jan. 16, 2012, no titles were issued for these pieces of land because it can be reclaimed by the sea anytime,” Castillo said.
“Paying taxes does not mean you already own the land.”
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Castillo said that before an individual can apply for a Tax Declaration for a certain land property, a Certification of Alienable and Disposable must first be secured from the DENR.
She also encourages resort owners to check with her office the validity of the documents of their acquired properties.
Meanwhile, the EMB disclosed that a number of beach resorts here, including Zambawood, were already issued notice of violations for failing to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
