Reaction Paper for Environmental Law and Natural Resources By Maejo Joy Yap Bandico Last October 12,

2012, the whole class went to Manjuyod White Sandbar in Bais City, Negos Oriental for our field trip as final exam of the Environmental Law and Natural Resources class. This primeval 7-kilometer stretch of superior white sand can be accessed via a short fifteen (15) minute boat ride from Capiahan Wharf, South Bais Bay, Bais City Negros Oriental. It is mainly an island towards the North Bais Bay in the Taon Strait that surfaces only during low tides. On the island you can find huts built by bamboos which, during high tide, appears to be floating on the water. These huts could be rented for overnight; it can be booked at Bais City Tourism Office. Though technically belonging to the jurisdiction of Manjuyod town, it closely concomitant to Bais City because of its juxtaposition and attractiveness in Bais area. It is also a major halt during dolphin and whale watching where boats are momentarily anchored so that visitants can swim, bask and snorkel or scuba dive in the surrounding marine. It estimated to have 600 hectare total area, including the underwater portions. It has been alleged that amongst the tourist spots in the locality, this one has the most potential. We formerly planned to go dolphin and whale watching but the opportunity did not favor us as the dolphins did not do their expectedly showoff routine early morning. The group decided to go to Manjuyod White Sanbar instead. After an hour or two (2) of roaming around the vicinity to spot the dolphins and at the same time wait for the low tide, the class decided to go straight to Manjuyod White Sanbar and do the well-advertised free diving, lounging around, and sunbathing. Although I did not see big fish while enjoying my free dive as it was abruptly very deep just even three (3) steps from the shore, I saw small white fish which led me to my observation and presumption that illegal fishing is not practiced by local fishermen. Sections 88-102 of Republic Act No. 8550 known as The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 provides the prohibited or illegal fishing approaches. It is necessary then for the LGUs to do its duty to enact ordinances to protect and impose appropriate penalties for acts, including those which mentioned by RA No. 8550 sections 88-102, that endanger this most potential spot as mandated by Republic Act No. 7160. The LGUs observance to their duties plays a very significant role for present and even future development not just for Manjuyod White Sandbar but even other tourist spots under their care. Going back from Manjuyod White Sandbar to Capiahan Wharf, I saw small fish sanctuary which indicates that perhaps LGUs are indeed embracing their fulfilling responsibilities not just for the benefit of this generation but also for the generations to come.