Chapter 1:

INTRODUCTION

1.1. THE COASTAL ZONE

The coastal zone is defined as the strip
of land and its adjacent space (i.e., the water and
submerged land) in which the terrestrial ecosystem
use directly affects the river and marine ecosystem,
and vice versa (SDMS-IEMSD, 1997). The coastal
zone is the place where the waters of the seas meet
the land.
The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 or
Republic Act 8550 defines the coastal area/zone
as, a band of dry land and adjacent ocean space
(water and submerged land) in which terrestrial
processes and uses directly affect oceanic extent
may include areas within a landmark limit of one
(1) kilometer from the shoreline at high tide to
include mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds,
nipa swamps, estuarine rivers, sandy beaches and
other areas within a seaward limit of 200 meters
isobath to include coral reefs, algal flats, seagrass
beds and other soft-bottom areas.
Furthermore, RA 8550 describes the
municipal waters to include not only streams,
lakes, inland bodies of water and tidal waters within
the municipality which are not included within the
protected areas as defined under Republic Act
No. 7586 (The NIPAS Law), public forest, timber
lands, forest reserves or fishery reserves, but also
marine waters included between two (2) lines drawn
perpendicular to the general coastline from points
where the boundary lines of the municipality touch
the sea at low tide and a third line parallel with
the general coastline including offshore islands
and fifteen (15) kilometers from such coastline.
Where two (2) municipalities are so situated on
opposite shores that there is less than thirty (30)
kilometers of marine waters between them, the third
line shall be equally distant from opposite shore of
the respective municipality.

Coastal use planning refers to the process

of comprehensively studying resources, economic
activities and societal needs, including problems
and opportunities in specific coastal planning
areas, or coastal zones, and proposing actions
for their future development. It also involves
rational allocation of dry land, wetland and marine
components of the coastal area for various uses.
It is a basic activity which seeks to rationalize and
enhance the development of the coastal areas. It
also identifies, examines and provides solutions
to major issues and conflicts in coastal resource
allocation and utilization.
Coastal use zoning is a process of
delineating the coastal areas into land- and seause zones, designating permitted, prohibited and
conditional uses. It provides efficient mechanisms
for allocating coastal space for appropriate uses
based on the suitability with environmental, social
and economic conditions, and compatibility with
sustainable development objectives and principles,
and with policies and legal requirements. It also
presents a framework for resolving multiple-use
conflicts. Coastal-use zoning likewise provides a
regulatory framework for permitting and prohibiting
human activities according to the designated use
of coastal space.
The Coastal Land- and Sea-use Zoning
Plan (CLSUZP) is considered as a tool to improve
the use of coastal resources. It incorporates the
context within which it operates; the mechanism
required to assess, evaluate and monitor the
outcomes; and process through which these could
be attained. It is based on certain principles which
promote its effectiveness, responsiveness and
acceptability to key stakeholders and which guide
the integration and/or modification of existing land
use plans for the sustainable development of the
coastal area as well as the adjacent watersheds
and marine areas.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.0 km.

Figure 1. Parts of the coastal area (as defined by R.A. 8550).

1.2. OVERVIEW
The province of Bataan is a peninsula
composed of 11 municipalities and one city
covering a land area of 137,296 hectares or
1,373 square kilometers. Its lone city and ten
municipalities consist the coastal areas.
With the formulation of the Manila Bay
Coastal Strategy, there was a compelling need to
develop a provincial strategy for Bataans coastal
areas. The Manila Bay Coastal Strategy covers
Manila Bay and the surrounding watershed areas.
Seven (7) major rivers, draining 26 catchment
basins, intersect the 190-km. coastline. Impacts
of land-based human activities in the coastal and
inland regions are addressed under the Manila Bay
Coastal Strategy, as well as sea-based activities.
Manila Bay, a semi-enclosed estuary
facing the South China Sea, is one of the best
natural harbors in the world. It is bordered by
coastal cities and municipalities of the National
Capital Region or NCR (Manila, Pasay, Paraaque,
Las Pias, and Navotas), and the coastal provinces
of Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan in Region 3, and

Cavite in Region 4. Also within the watershed

of Manila Bay are the non-coastal cities and
municipalities of the NCR (Quezon City, Caloocan
City, Makati, Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong,
Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Malabon, San Juan,
Pateros, and Taguig), provinces of Nueva Ecija and
Tarlac in Region 3, Rizal and Laguna in Region 4.
Map 1 shows the provinces and waters within the
boundaries of the Manila Bay Area.

The Manila Bay Coastal Strategy (MBCS).

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Bataan Sustainable Development Strategy (BSDS)

Bataan, being one of the coastal

provinces of Manila Bay, also prepared for the
implementation of its own coastal strategy, which
is in line with the strategy of Manila Bay. As this
province is a peninsula, the use and development
of Bataans coastal and marine resources were
defined, considering land-based resources
complementary to the coastal resources, and
substantially provide the province of Bataan with
a sustained economic development.
The Bataan Sustainable Development
Strategy, or BSDS, embodies the shared vision of
the people of Bataan. The province is endowed

with economic opportunities, recreational

areas, rich cultural and historical heritage and
abundant natural resources. The BSDS provides a
comprehensive framework which helps determine
directions in achieving targeted outcomes and
formulating a series of specific actions and
programs involving the participation of government
and non-government sectors. The BSDS covers
a broad area covering land and water on the
seaward side of the coastal areas including the
upland watersheds of the 11 municipalities and
one city, and the sea and seabed area within the
maximum 15-km. municipal waters limit based on
the Philippines Fishery Code of 1998 (RA 8550).
The BSDS addresses activities with impacts on
the coastal and marine environment at present
and in the future. Box 1 presents the Bataan
stakeholders shared vision and mission, and the
key strategies.
Development of the CLSUZP is an
integral element of the Bataan Sustainable
Development Strategy and will complement the
existing comprehensive land-use plan of the
province and in harmony with the provincial
integrated coastal management program.

Bataan has rich coastal and marine resources.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Map 1. Provinces and Coastal Waters within the Manila Bay Area

Source: Manila Bay Area Environmental Atlas (2007)

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.3. RATIONALE FOR THE PLAN

The coastal zone and municipal waters are
the most productive areas in Bataan. Their coastal
resources and ecosystem play an important role
in the health and living condition of the people of
Bataan. The resources like fisheries, shellfishes,
coral reefs, seagrasses/seaweeds and mangroves
provide direct and indirect benefits to the coastal
communities of the province. Unfortunately,
poor planning coupled with uncontrolled human
and economic activities have put pressure
and resulted in significant degradation of the
integrity and condition of the coastal and marine
ecosystem and environment of Bataan. Absence
of transboundary lines of municipal waters and
unclear distinctions of productive and functional
zones culminate inappropriate to overlapping and
multiple utilization of the area. As these practices
continue, there is a risk of scarcity and depletion of
resources. To remedy the aggravating issues and
problem in the coastal and marine environment of
the province, the formulation of the Bataan Coastal
Land and Sea-Use Zoning Plan is necessary.
The CLSUZP is part of the implementation
of the Bataan Sustainable Development Strategy,
which is designed to move towards the attainment
of the stakeholders shared vision, and address
the conflicting uses, major issues and problems
that contribute to the continued degradation of
the coastal and marine environment of Bataan.
The plan also states the specific objectives and
actions, which directly focus on the problem areas
of the Bataan coastal zones. Its aim is toward the
attainment of the Bataan stakeholders shared
vision, mission, and goals in managing, protecting,
and conserving the rich natural resources,
environment, and historical and cultural heritage
for future generations (Box 1).
The CLSUZP provides a well-defined
distinction among different zones, which has been
classified according to their existing and proposed
level of development, resource utilization, and
resource abundance or scarcity. A thorough
review of the existing resources and environmental
quality also supports the intention to formulate
required laws and ordinances, regulate activities

and expected development. The CLSUZP will

also serve to protect the designated use of coastal
zones and reduce adverse environmental impacts
of certain coastal activities.
The Manila Bay area is one of the
Philippines major avenues that cater to a lot of
economic activities for continuous growth and
development ranging from shipping, industrial,
commercial, fishing, aquaculture to tourism
activities. With the various developments taking
place along the bay, the natural environment of
the area is facing various threats from different
factors: over-population, pollution from landand sea-based sources, over and illegal fishing,
uncontrolled development, loss of habitats,
and decreasing resources. The effects of these
problems result in the significant degradation of
the ecosystem and biodiversity thereby affecting
the needs of all living things along the bay. There
are also impacts on human health, the economy,
and social conditions of the people. The complete
zoning scheme for Manila Bay is therefore
necessary to resolve the multiple-use conflicts
and address the various issues and problems that
continue to build up. Bataan is the pilot area for
the coastal use zoning of Manila Bay.
Bataan plays a major role in the Central
Luzon W-Growth Corridor, serving as the regions
industrial heartland owing to the presence of
several industries in the province, as well as tourism
area due to its natural resources and historical
sites (Figure 2). The province also lies within the
national growth triad of the Subic Bay Metropolitan
Area (SBMA), Clark Special Economic Zone,
and Metro Manila. The province was identified
as one of the countrys investment destinations.
Moreover, the inclusion of Bataan in the Global
Gateways, which is the centerpiece of development
of the national government, will certainly spur the
economic growth of the province (Figure 3). It
promises to be the countrys next economic hub
when the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project
(SCTEP) is finally put into place. This expressway
will pass through Hermosa and Dinalupihan. It
is complemented by the development of Subic
Seaport and the Diosdado Macapagal Airport in
Clark, Pampanga. These developments, plus the

Chapter 1: Introduction

Box 1: Bataan Sustainable Development Strategy

VISION
The people of Bataan envisionA well developed community with abundant natural resources,
clean environment and responsible citizenry empowered and committed to care for nature and its
bounty.

MISSION

The STRATEGIES

The people of Bataan aim To clean the

In order to realize the vision and mission for the

coastal and marine environment of Bataan, the
Bataan Coastal Strategy mandates all stakeholders to:

environment, develop it sustainably and make

it safe from harmful human activities for us to
live peacefully, blissfully and honorably amidst
natures bounty through active participation in
integrated resource management efforts.
The shared vision of Bataenos reflects the strong
desire to become active stewards of the living
resources and values innate to Bataan. It is how
the people of Bataan see the province in the next
25 years or more. This shows the deep sense
of commitment among the citizenry and all the
leaders in the province to preserve and protect
the natural heritage for the present and future
generations. Meanwhile, the mission statement
declares the immediate aim of the Bataan
Coastal Strategy arising from the commitment
of the stakeholders to the shared vision.
The work ahead requires a partnership among
stakeholders. The specific call to action of
having a clean environment safe from harmful
human activities affirms the aims and functions
of the stakeholders in their desire to achieve
the shared vision. It centers mainly on the
environmental, economic and social well being
of the stakeholders as they move towards future
goals as embodied within the coastal strategy.
construction of Anvaya Cove by Ayala Land, Inc.
as a resort-leisure tourist facility in Morong and the
operation of San Miguel Feed Mill in Mariveles, will
also open up a host of opportunities and heighten
the economic growth of the province.
A peninsular province, Bataan is bounded
by the South China Sea on the West and by Manila

INFORM the stakeholders of their

rights and responsibilities and make them highly
aware of the issues and problems concerning
the coastal environment of Bataan, for them to
be mobilized towards a sustainable and active
participation in environmental management
programs.
MITIGATE the impacts of damaging
human activities, which will lead to integrated
approaches and measures to sustain the
range of values supported by Bataans coastal
environment.
PROTECT and PRESERVE the significant
values and features of Bataans coastal and
marine environment for the present and future
generations through integrated planning and
management.
DEVELOP areas and opportunities
within Bataans coastal environment, as well
as provide directions for the future uses of its
resources that shall maintain the range of values
and benefits the community derive from the
coastal environment.

Bay on the East and its strategic location brings in

opportunities for the province to utilize its waterways
as another gate for development. The use of
waterways by passenger ferries at the Port of Orion
via Manila lessens travel time and makes Bataan
as one of the provinces nearest to Metro Manila.
The waterways of Manila Bay also serves

Chapter 1: Introduction

Figure 2. Enhanced W-Growth Corridor of Central Luzon

Figure 3. The Global Gateways Infrastructure

as the navigational lane of cargo ships and support

large-scale industries, such as: oil refineries and
depots, power plants, petrochemical plants,
and economic zones, as well as tourism activities,
which extend huge contributions to the national
economy.

1.5. SCOPE OF THE PLAN

The implementation of the CLSUZP will

open up the different avenues of sustainable
development of the coastal areas of the province.
This will serve as one of the mechanisms for the
realization of the BSDS.

1.4. OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN

The scope of the CLSUZP includes the

10 coastal municipalities and 1 coastal city of
Bataan (Map 2). The 12th and only land-locked
municipality, which is Dinalupihan, was also
considered in the plan because its river system
which is affected by siltation and sedimentation
due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, is connected
to the municipalities of Hermosa and Orani.
The seaward boundary of Bataans coastal
areas is 15 kilometers from the shoreline, as stated
in RA 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998. One
(1) kilometer landward from the shoreline is also
considered as part of the coastal land area.

The objectives of this plan are to:

Protect habitats, eco-systems and
ecological processes;
Protect natural and/or cultural sites while
allowing a spectrum of reasonable uses;
Mitigate pollution from land- and seabased sources;
Resolve conflicting human activities/uses;
Delineate suitable areas for particular
human uses, while minimizing the impacts
of these uses;
Preserve critical areas in their natural
state and undisturbed except for purposes
of scientific research and education;
Protect human welfare; and,
Better manage the coastal areas.

Thus, the geographic extent of this

coastal-use zoning plan covers areas within one (1)
kilometer from the shoreline at high tide to include
mangrove swamps, brackish water ponds, nipa
swamps, estuarine rivers, mudflats, sandy beaches,
as well as other areas within a seaward limit of
200 meters isobath to include coral reefs, algal
flats, seagrass beds and other soft-bottom areas
(RA 8550).
The Comprehensive Land Use Plans
(CLUPs) of each municipality and the Provincial
Physical Framework Plan (PPFP) are linked and
harmonized with this coastal use zoning plan to
provide a more comprehensive Integrated Landand Sea-Use Plan for the province.

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.6. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY

In the formulation of the CLSUZP,
the delineation of each zone is based on its
potential utilization and uses as identified during
the workshop deliberation and consultations
attended by various sectors of the community and
stakeholders. The zoning system, once in place,
will pave the way and openup more opportunities
to every sector of the community that primarily
depend on the coastal and marine resources for
their means of livelihood.
In 2002, representatives from the Project
Management Office (PMO) and the Provincial
Planning and Development Office (PPDO) attended

a six-day intensive Regional Training Workshop on

the Development and Implementation of Coastal
Use Zoning Plan and Institutional Framework
conducted by GEF/UNDP/IMO Partnerships
in Environmental Management for the Seas of
East Asia (PEMSEA). This training provided the
participants with insights and knowledge on the
basic concepts and approaches for applying
zoning scheme to coastal areas and developing
institutional arrangements for its implementation

under the framework of integrated coastal

management.
From 2003 2004, the PMO and PPDO
worked together with the Bataan Coastal Care
Foundation, Inc. (BCCFI), Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA), DENR-Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), DENRCommunity Environment and Natural Resources
Office (CENRO) in conducting ten (10) municipal
and one (1) city consultations and capacity-building
trainings/workshops. These workshops enabled the
participants to understand the rationale, scope,
and expected outputs of the coastal-use zoning
project and process of developing the CLSUZP.
It also increased awareness of the participants,
particularly the Local Government Units (LGUs) on
the importance of the province-wide coastal and
sea-use plan, which is to be integrated into their
Comprehensive Land-Use Plans. (See results of
consultations in Appendix B)
In 2005, technical officers from the
PEMSEA conducted a two-day inception workshop
in Balanga City. Various stakeholders from the
national and provincial agencies, private sector,

Map 2. Proposed Municipal Water Boundaries

Source: NAMRIA

Chapter 1: Introduction

civil society groups, fisherfolk associations and

LGUs participated in this workshop.
The Provincial Government of Bataan also
issued an executive order in 2005 forming and
activating a Technical Working Group (TWG) to
develop the CLSUZP. The TWG is a multi-sectoral
team of specialists who have experiences in
land use planning, socio-economic planning,
environmental planning and other development
planning. They have in-depth knowledge on the
habitat and ecosystem of Bataans coastal area and
the legislations and regulations on environment and
resources management. The members of the TWG
underwent a series of capacity-building seminars
and workshops to equip themselves with the skills of
handling several activities useful in the collection,
verification, and final analysis of pertinent data and
other skills for the full development of the CLSUZP.
The members who come from the different national
government agencies, local government units,
private sector, and non-govenment organizations
provided information on existing sectoral plans,
information, and relevant data and ideas which
contributed to the plan. Together with the core
TWG from the provincial government were their
partners in the municipal level. Workshops were
also conducted and facilitated by a team from
the University of the Philippines Planning and
Development Research Foundation, Inc. or UP
Planades.

Part of the capacity-building workshop is an on-site field visit

and transect walk in Brgy. Tortugas in Balanga City.

Discussions and deliberations were conducted to identify the

existing uses and proposed zones in Bataan.

In the development of the CLSUZP, the

support from the local government was necessary
to enable the stakeholders to identify uses and
zones and prepare the plan. It was a must that
the project is sincerely adhered to by the local
government officials to get an equally honest
attempt by different stakeholders to complete the
CLSUZP and jointly support its implementation.
The stakeholders played the key tasks of providing
salient information to contribute to the completion
of the plan, as these people have the innate desire
to protect and utilize resources logically.
Mapping and delineation of zones was an integral part of
the plan.