Zambales gov tightens rules for coastal construction

Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. of Zambales is implementing stricter regulations for building in coastal danger zones to prevent future destruction.

Permits will only be issued to those with land titles and business permits before any construction can begin.

These new measures are a proactive step to protect residents from harm.

The announcement follows recent damage to coastal infrastructures in Zambales caused by heavy rainfall and coastal erosion.

Resorts in Barangay Liwliwa, San Felipe, were notably damaged last month due to coastal erosion, with some attributing the cause to river dredging.

However, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) clarified that coastal erosion was already happening before the dredging and noted that much of Zambales' coastline was once part of the sea before the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.

Governor Ebdane explained that shoreline changes over the decades have created unstable land, with areas previously underwater now considered danger zones.