PAOAY, Ilocos Norte — Operators and drivers of the 4×4 vehicles, ATVs and AUVs are hopeful that they would soon be allowed to resume operation at the Paoay Sand Dunes as they are praying hard for the recall of the notice of discontinuance issued by the DENR-Ilocos Norte on January 11.
Federico Almazan, Jr., president of Culili Point Adventure Area Group B and Gilbert delos Santos, president of the Paoay Sand Dunes Service Cooperative, said that “they are saddened” by the DENR order but assured the authorities that they would secure the necessary documents so that they can operate as soon as possible.
They lamented that the DENR order has greatly affected them as operators and their entire families, whose daily expenses are dependent in their earnings at the sand dunes 4×4 rides.
The 4×4 operation in the famous Paoay sand dune, a unique land form of about 85 sq./km covering the coastal town of Paoay and extending up north to Laoag City, has become one of the major tourist attractions in Ilocos.
As this developed, many local and foreign tourists expressed disappointment over the news report saying that riding 4×4 vehicles at the sand dunes was supposed to be one of the highlights of their trip in Ilocos Norte.
On the part of the provincial government of Ilocos Norte, it was learned that members of the provincial board are still in the process of finalizing a draft ordinance seeking to regulate off-road vehicles operation in the area.
Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, in an interview, has recommended to the authorities to fast track the legislation on 4×4 operations in the province so that sports adventure activities would resume again at Paoay sand dunes after the temporary lull period of operations.
The DENR officials in Ilocos Norte said the temporary stop operation order at the sand dune was issued due to the following unsatisfactory findings:
“The 4×4 operation in Paoay sand dunes remained out of order and out of control; the operators were not cooperating with LGU Paoay; operations have not been standardized; the operators were defiant and did not comply with legal procedures; operators have not drafted a proposed sustainable development plan; and the worst – severe damage on environment at the area.”
It was further revealed that some are reportedly unregistered and expanded operation to various sites such as in Suba, Culili point, Onsereef and Masintoc in Paoay town.
It was learned that the sudden stop was implemented until after the operators fully complied with their application for a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) at provincial government.
While the Paoay sand dunes 4×4 operations is under suspension, tourists has still the option of off-road vehicle riding and sand boarding in Barangay Talingaan, Laoag City. (tsg)
*
(Photo courtesy of Paoay Sand Dunes Adventures fb)
