By RANDY DATU | June 13, 2026

IBA, Zambales — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with the provincial government of Zambales to delineate foreshore lands and profile occupants in accretion areas, boosting public safety, environmental protection and economic development.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA), signed under DENR Administrative Order 2025-21 and DAO 2004-24, establishes guidelines for managing foreshore lands while supporting low- and middle-income families, fisherfolk and tourism stakeholders.

The MOA empowered the DENR—through the Environment Management Bureau (EMB-R3), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-R3), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Zambales, and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office-Olongapo City—to conduct a comprehensive inventory of occupants and improvements within foreshore areas.

Meanwhile, the reconstituted Zambales Foreshore Development and Management Council (ZFDMC), established under Executive Order 4 series of 2025, will enhance coordination among concerned municipal governments, the Philippine National Police, and other stakeholders.

“This initiative provides reliable baseline data for tourism planning and infrastructure development, ensuring that projects align with land-use regulations, environmental protection measures, and community welfare,” the DENR said.

Under the project, clear delineation of coastal boundaries and occupant profiling are expected to reduce land-use conflicts, provide greater security for occupancy rights, and also attract investments.

Local government units will also gain accurate data for land-use planning, coastal governance and environmental enforcement.

Primary beneficiaries of the program include fisherfolk, coastal residents, and micro-enterprises such as boat operators, food vendors and souvenir sellers.

Despite repeated warnings, hundreds of illegal resorts, restaurants and facilities have mushroomed across the shoreline of San Antonio, San Narciso, and San Felipe towns—an issue the ZFDMC plans to address. While municipalities do not issue building permits or land titles for accretion areas, the new program offers a pathway toward compliance.

In January 2025, the ZFDMC approved a resolution that authorized assistance to resort owners seeking to legalize operations within accretion areas. This served as the basis for mapping and implementing mitigation projects to protect lives and property. On Sept. 2, 2025, delineation and verification surveys were conducted in Barangay La Paz, San Narciso, with logistical support from the Provincial Engineering Office, Philippine Army, and National Bureau of Investigation. ▲