Dumaguete City's Last Public Beach Deserves Protection, Not Destruction

Overview and Threats

Silliman Beach is far more than a simple stretch of shoreline; it is the sole remaining public beach in Dumaguete City and a cherished asset for its residents. For generations, the beach has been a vibrant venue for weekend picnics, early morning walks, small-scale fishing, and family gatherings—a living space where community, recreation, and environmental stewardship converge. The construction of the proposed “Dumaguete City Coastal Road Project” of DPWH Region 7 will eliminate Silliman Beach and those marine coastal ecosystems, i.e., seagrass meadows and coral reefs, including its associated fishery and other organisms.  

An Academic and Natural Treasure

A few meters from Silliman Beach stands the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) at Silliman University, one of the country’s premier centers for marine research. Over the decades, this Institute has served as an essential training ground for aspiring marine biologists and environmental scientists and has been the center for research and community-based coastal resource management.

Beyond its educational value, Silliman Beach supports a delicate yet thriving ecosystem. Its coastal waters are home to endangered species, including the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and various species of giant clams (Tridacna spp.). In addition, nearby seagrass beds and coral reefs function as natural nurseries for marine life and as protective buffers against coastal erosion.

Our Position and Appeal

We oppose the Dumaguete Coastal Alignment Project of DPWH Region 7 for the following reasons:

●     The beach is a vital source of sustenance and livelihood for those who depend on its natural bounty, especially for the fisherfolk and gleaners.

●     Silliman Beach is an integral part of Dumaguete City’s cultural and social heritage space that rightly belongs to the Dumaguete community—to the people.

●     The turtles, clams, corals, and seagrasses that inhabit this coastal environment provide food and ecosystem services to Dumagueteños.

●     Silliman Beach is an ecological laboratory with a unique biodiversity where future environmental stewards are educated and nurtured.

DPWH can abandon the Dumaguete City Coastal Road Alignment Project or divert the route to a non-coastal area.

Dumaguete City and the national government can take immediate action by:

Refusing the proposed project by not giving a Letter of No Objection (LONO) to DPWH 7. 
Ensuring the long-term protection and preservation of Silliman Beach.
Promoting sustainable and inclusive development strategies that respect ecological boundaries.
Initiating comprehensive public consultations and executing rigorous environmental impact assessments before any further development is considered.
It is imperative that development initiatives safeguard not only our natural landscapes but also the cultural and scientific values that define our community. Sustainable progress must integrate ecological preservation with public access and community well-being.

Sign the Petition

Please sign the petition opposing the Dumaguete Coastal Road Alignment Project. Support and protect Silliman Beach! Advocate and practice sustainable development. Your opposition is crucial in demonstrating that the Dumaguete community is united in protecting our environment for our food security, enjoyment of goods and services, and recreation and well-being. Every signature reinforces our demand for good governance and accountability of our national offices and government leaders to ensure our rights to a balanced and healthy environment to safeguard our well-being and day-to-day lives. Protect Silliman Beach for our generation and future generations.

Join the Movement

Your support is vital in this crucial campaign. We urge you to review the petition, share your viewpoint, and actively participate in the dialogue for a future where development and conservation coexist harmoniously. Let us embrace an approach to growth that is sustainable, inclusive, and respectful of our natural heritage.