2 weeks ago
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SANTA ANA, Cagayan — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Cagayan Valley (DENR-2) said that the famous Nangaramoan Beach will be reopened to the public but clarified that it is only "temporary" following the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the Nangaramoan Community-Based Ecotourism Inc. (NCBEI).
Nangaramoan Beach in Santa Ana, Cagayan. DENR PHOTO
The DENR said the agreement, signed on May 16, 2025, permits the operation for ecotourism activities in the next two months, as the community-based organization works to secure a Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism Purposes (FLAgT).
DENR Region 2 executive director Gwendolyn Bambalan thanked the NCBEI for its cooperation and commitment to environmental protection.
She also cited DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga who welcomed the development and said that it is a "positive step in restoring community livelihoods while ensuring environmental management practices are in place."
"While the DENR manages the area, we have engaged the people's organization to provide ecotourism services, provided they meet certain conditions," Bambalan said in a statement.
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Earlier, the DENR Region 2 has committed to assist NCBEI in completing the necessary requirements for the FLAgT and its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
It said that under the memorandum of agreement, a total of 2,907 square meters of the beach has been allocated for ecotourism use.
Under the agreement, NCBEI is required to remit a monthly rental fee of P38,676 to the government with the prohibition to construct any new permanent structures. The agreement also mandates NCBEI to implement environmental education, conservation initiatives and sustainable tourism practices.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque coastline, Nangaramoan Beach has long been one of the province's premier tourist destinations.
But the DENR discovered unauthorized establishments built within the 40-meter legal easement, considered a "no build zone," which resulted in the halting of operations and closure of Nangaramoan Beach.
Bambalan noted that the DENR issued notices and demolition orders due to violations of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705 by the owners, who in turn voluntarily dismantled the illegal structures to adhere to environmental laws.
Last April, Loyzaga visited the site and commended NCBEI for its responsible action, describing it as a model for community-based ecotourism, underscoring the critical role of local communities in safeguarding and sustainably managing the country's coastal and marine ecosystems.
