VILLAR CALLS FOR THE PROTECTION OF BEACH-GOERS
Filed Senate bill to improve the quality of beaches and coastal recreation water

Senate President Manny Villar, President of the Nacionalista Party, says that since summer is here and many Filipinos will start trooping to the beaches, concerned authorities as well as resort owners should ensure the safety and protection of the beach-going public.

Villar earlier filed Senate Bill 731 or the Beaches Environmental Assessment, Closure and Health Act that calls for the adoption of stricter criteria to improve the quality of beaches and coastal recreation water in the country.

Its summer once again and Filipinos are flocking to the beach to beat the summer heat. But every year, accidents such as drowning usually happen during this time of the year. Concerned authorities, including the owners and managers of beach resorts, should take all necessary precautions to protect beach-goers, says Villar, President of the Nacionalista Party.

Senate Bill 731 seeks to improve the quality of beaches and coastal recreation water by adopting consistent criteria that would enhance public health and safety as well as to enhance environmental quality.

Under the bill, coastal recreation water is defined as water adjacent to public beaches and marine coastal water including bays or lagoons used by the public for swimming, bathing, surfing and other water sports or hobbies.

Villar cited on his bill, Increased population and urbanization of watershed areas have contributed to the decline in the environmental quality of coastal water. Unless concrete measures are taken, our beaches and coastal recreation water will continue to deteriorate.

Once implemented into law, the bill tasks the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to adopt water quality criteria for coastal recreation water that will be in accordance with existing environmental laws and policies.

The criteria will cover and consider among others floatable materials on the beaches that may pose risks to swimmers; the presence of pathogens that may also pose harm upon inhalation or ingestion; water pollution and other potential risks associated with water contact activities.

According to Villar, The improvement of the quality of our beaches and coastal waters will not only ensure our peoples safety and enjoyment, it will also attract more tourists to spend their holidays in our beach resorts, so it will promote tourism as well.