DENR-6 Trains Engineers to Map Capiz Foreshore Areas

In a bid to strengthen the sustainable management of Capiz’s coastal and marine areas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 6 (DENR-6) conducted a three-day intensive training for its geodetic engineers.

The training aimed to enhance foreshore area management and promote responsible coastal development.

Titled “Establishing the Mean High Waterline (MHWL) and Mean Low Waterline (MLWL) in Capiz,” the activity was held at San Antonio Resort in Roxas City, Capiz.

DENR-6 geodetic engineers underwent technical instruction and fieldwork focused on accurately identifying vital coastal boundaries.

These boundaries serve as the foundation for environmental protection, infrastructure planning, and resolving coastal property disputes.

The training covered both theoretical lectures and practical exercises to improve the engineers’ skills in coastal boundary determination.

The data gathered during the activity will contribute to an ongoing coastal mapping initiative in the region.

Two resource persons from the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) led the training: Dennis Arsenio B. Bringas, chief of the Physical Oceanography Division, and Raymond A. Villapa, oceanographer II.

They provided valuable insights on the scientific and technical challenges in mapping coastal environments.

Bringas and Villapa discussed how tidal shifts, wave dynamics, seasonal variations, and human activities complicate accurate and consistent measurement of waterlines.

“We need to enhance and better our understanding of how foreshore management can provide a solid, scientific basis for our coastal zone management,” said DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla.

“Only after we are able to accurately map it can we understand it well and be able to make informed decisions on its proper use, what infrastructures to allow, and how to implement environmental protection and conservation,” he added.

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Capiz, led by PENR Officer Ernest C. Federiso, is the only PENRO in the region to secure funding for foreshore mapping delineation.

This makes Capiz a pilot site for the initiative in Western Visayas.

“This one crucial step of accurately delineating the foreshore and coastal areas of Capiz will help us ensure responsible coastal development, protection of vital ecosystems, and promotion of sustainable marine resource use,” said Federiso.