Over 20% of La Union, Ilocos Sur coasts show erosion - UP study
A University of the Philippines study reveals that over 20% of shorelines in La Union and Ilocos Sur have eroded between 1977 and 2022. Researchers warn against further coastal development in these vulnerable areas.
Why it matters
The findings provide critical data for local government planning to mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activity on coastal ecosystems.
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union - More than one-fifth of assessed shoreline areas in La Union and Ilocos Sur showed erosion from 1977 to 2022, a University of the Philippines study found, warning against further coastline development.
Research led by the state university's Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) found that 22.4% of assessed shoreline areas in La Union and 22.2% in Ilocos Sur have eroded.
The rates were lower in Ilocos Norte at 17.7% and Pangasinan at 11.1%.
Fernando Siringan of UP-MSI presented the findings at the Region 1 Coastal Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Forum on September 22. He identified the coastal stretch from Bauang to Santo Tomas and Agoo in La Union as particularly prone to erosion.
"You should not put development there, as much as possible, and leave it alone," Siringan said of areas with rapidly changing shorelines.
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