Finally, the long break I was waiting for came last week.
The Holy Week started on a Thursday for me. I had to make sure everything was in order at work, and my religious duties done before heading off to the northern part of the island with family and a couple of friends. We decided to rent out a beach house so we can have the property and the beach to ourselves. It was indeed very relaxing and fun. There is nothing like spending quality time with family and friends.
During our drive using the coastal highway, I noticed all the beaches along the way were fully occupied; it looked like everyone was going to the beach that weekend. I remember back in the days, when it took only 20 minutes to drive from the city to the beaches of Mactan, because there was no traffic, and one can go to the beach at any time. It was a time when beaches were either very affordable or free. Yes, there was a time when one can enjoy the beaches of Cebu for free.
We used to drive out and find a vacant un-fenced lot and park our cars there, pitch our tents or beach umbrellas, and take a dip. Those were the days, and long gone too. Most of the beaches here now are fenced and gated. The local beaches for public use are now extremely expensive. There are still areas that can be accessed without payment, or some only require that you pay an environmental fee, but these places are given zero exposure.
Arent beaches and natural forestations the property of the government, thus making it the property of the people? If government is required to provide parks and playgrounds in the city, why cant it be the same with beaches and natural forestations, which is more important? The law dictates that a few meters from the coastline is already the property of the government, and that no one can claim ownership to it. I think this should be extended to the coast in some areas. The public has the right to enjoy the beaches and the sea, as well as the natural mountains and forestations, just like in other countries where they have public beaches and state parks. This should not be treated as a privilege but a right of the people, to breathe fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature. This is not something that can only be provided for the rich, but for everyone. On the other hand, we as a people should also learn to take care of this right and ensure the preservation of our nature.