VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region I, headed by Regional Executive Director, Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, led by Gov. Ryan Luis V. Singson, signed the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) for the implementation of the Provincial Foreshore Development and Management Plan (PFDMP) at the Provincial Capitol, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on September 22, 2020. The event was likewise, attended by , Vice-Governor Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and chairman committee on environment, Christopher Baterina, Vigan City Mayor Carlo S. Medina, Sta. Cruz Mayor Teresita Valle, Sta. Lucia Mayor Joseph Simon Valdez, and San Esteban Mayor Ray Elaydo II.

The FDMP, first piloted in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, is a long-term, collaborative strategy between and the DENR, the LGU of Ilocos Sur and other stakeholders in the improvement, development, management, protection, and conservation of natural resources within the foreshore areas. It is also one approach in combating underlying threats, issues, and concerns within the 18 coastal municipalities of Ilocos Sur.

“The Ilocos Sur FDMP requires a multi-sectoral approach by which Local Government Units (LGUs) within foreshore areas, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur (PGIS), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB) actively participated and assisted during its formulation activities”, said RED Barcelo.

Further, Ilocos Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Rosemarie B. Jornacion mentioned that a number of concerns and issues were revealed during the ground validation along the foreshore areas of Ilocos Sur that needs to be addressed. Some of these were soil/sand erosion, flooding, tsunami, improper waste disposal, and the like. The plan, “will provide strategic directions to address predicaments and unsustainable impacts on the area and community.” she added.

Congruent to the said agreement, the DENR with PGIS and other National Government Agencies (NGAs) pledged to work to fulfill the PFDMP vision: “A progressive and sustainable foreshore area of a world-class heritage province that promotes eco-tourism and socio-economic development, managed by God-fearing and empowered citizens guided by principle-centered leaders, to provide equal benefits for the present and future generation.”

The plan, as RED Barcelo mentioned, will draw a guiding framework on the best management scheme to be adopted in a specific environment, particularly on the identification of the highest and best use whether it is legally permissible, ecologically viable, economically valuable, socially acceptable and/or compatible with adjacent land uses of a particular area. It will be implemented for the next 10 years along the 158 kilometer foreshore stretch of Ilocos Sur.

“The Province of Ilocos Sur is one of a kind for it has mountains and forests that nears the coastal and beaches. Nature lover tourists were so fond to visit our place since it is a 2-in-1 package adventure. Thus, keeping our coastal areas clean is a must”, he said.

As response, Gov. Ryan Luis V, Singson commended DENR for the implementation of different projects and activities that promotes ENR protection and conservation especially within the Province of Ilocos Sur. It was assured that the provincial government’s support in the programs and continued partnership in conserving the environment. “Local Government Units shall continue to work together with the DENR for the betterment of our nature,” Gov. Singson added.

RED Barcelo, at the end of the MOPA signing, assured that the management initiatives and activities defined in the plan will be carried out this year. Moreover, he is hopeful that the DENR and its stakeholders will continue to work hand in hand for the successful implementation of the said plan.