A FORMER associate of mine once asked if I could help source white sand which would be exported to a foreign country in substantial quantities. I simply said that, given my penchant for preserving the environment, it would be anathema to dig up our pristine shorelines just to please the construction or landscaping needs of some foreign country.
First of all, those white sandy beaches that our tourism officials are so ga-ga about take eons to produce. Wave action on coral formations and minute crustaceans help produce some of that whiteness that sun worshippers like so much. Frankly, I prefer a cove with some coral formations which would make for interesting beachcombing and exploration when the tide goes out.
It is interesting to note, however, that other types of sand attract tourists too. For example, the black sand one finds in the beaches of La Union are that way because of huge magnetite deposits — which contain iron particles. I was wondering why the foreign visitors were attracted to this particular black beach sand and found that they believe the sand to have certain medicinal or healing properties. Especially for geriatrics with problems like arthritis. Interesting!
It seems a crime, therefore, to abet any move to extract such pristine resources as beach sand merely to satisfy a consumer need. They benefit but we suffer in the long run. In the mid-80s, some sneaky people resorted to extracting and hauling out the white sand of both Boracay and the shores of Bohol. When I learned of this in my capacity as OIC-GM of the Philippine Tourism Authority, I immediately raised the alarm and asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to increase patrols in the two areas. The awareness worked because the illegal extraction work stopped.
Just think of what Bora would look like today if these selfish cretins succeeded in hauling the pure white sand of that choice destination away!
January 18th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
The continuing rape of our precious natural resources really got going when our hardwoods — which gave rise to the popular name of Philippine Mahogany — were mercilessly cut down and provided beautiful wood for interior decor or other uses in advanced countries. Many of these, such as Japan, restrict the cutting down of their own timber stands. I also dread the possible rampant strip mining practices of some mining companies that seek to exploit our mineral resources. They should learn from companies that tread lightly on the environment and also take steps to interact with tribes and other stakeholders of the lands they will be working in.
Development must happen…but not just at any price.
January 16th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Yes, why will we want to sell? Others are spending so much to go back to basics, while we are blinded by the little we get from selling what is ours.
January 7th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I commend you for what you’ve done during the past and now that our own resources will again be threatened by those unmindful consumer whoever or whatever they are. Please don’t let this happen. I hope no one will dare to touch them and pass it on because they will also benefit from it, right? I hope they will be more conscientious this time. We need to change our old selves, right?