Journal of Environmental Science and Management 12(2): 11 27 (December 2009)

ISSN 0119-1144

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in

Calatagan, Batangas, Phlippines
Alicia R. Quicoy1 and Nicomedes D. Briones2
ABSTRACT
The estimation of carrying capacity of coastal ecotourism, particularly for swimming, was
conducted in Calatagan, Batangas where tourism is starting to be a major local industry.
Tourism is based on the attractions provided by natural resources and tourists normally look for
places that are not yet densely populated with clean, peaceful and beautiful natural environment.
Carrying capacity, as a measure of sustainability, is a practical tool to maintain the balance
between development and conservation of tourism resources.
Perceptions, attitudes and behavior of sample respondents in selected Calatagan coastal
barangays were solicited in relation to conservation of coastal resources such as additional
demand for freshwater and solid waste management brought about by tourism development.
Tourists chose to go to Calatagan because they find the community peaceful and serene (19%),
because of its beautiful beaches (19%), and rich marine resources such as beautiful coral reefs
(14%); which are all enticing for diving and snorkeling activities.
The carrying capacity for swimming area was estimated using different standards for
exploration. Using Boullons standard of 500 m2, the actual average daily visitors in Calatagan
are way beyond the carrying capacity in terms of swimming area throughout the year, especially
during peak months (March to May). On the other hand, using both the lower limit and upper
limit of the standards for swimming area per swimmer by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (4.65-9.30 m2), the actual number of visitors either during lean or
peak months for the current year, were still very much below the carrying capacity of Calatagan,
except during the projected 2010 peak months. Based on the ocular observation during the
conduct of the survey, the standard of 4.65-9.30 m2 per swimmer was found more suited to the
Calatagan scenario and probably, to the Philippine scenario as well.
Key words: ecotourism, carrying capacity, marine resources

INTRODUCTION
The concept of ecotourism may apply to
every establishment and individual in the tourism
industry, from the traveler to the resort operator,
to the lodge keeper (Libosada 1998). Having in
mind that the environment is the primary asset of
tourism, efforts must be made to ensure that
impacts are minimized. According to the joint
DENR-DOT memorandum Circular entitled
Guide Laws for Ecotourism Development in the
Philippines in 1998, ecotourism concept refers to:
A low-impact, environmentally-sound and
1

community-participatory tourism activity in a

given natural environment that enhances the
conservation of biophysical understanding and
education and yields socio-economic benefits to
the concerned community.
Comprehensive and holistic definitions of
ecotourism encompass a wide range of variables,
such as education, sustainability, cultural
sensitivity, conservation, and local benefits
(Kontogeorgopoulos 2004). Sustainability is
strictly limiting group sizes and scatter tours

University Researcher II, Department of Economics, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baos,
College, Laguna, Email address: alicequicoy@yahoo.com
Professor, School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baos, College, Laguna, Email address:
nicomedes_briones@yahoo.com

12

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

throughout different times of the day in order to

disperse the overall number of tourist, and therefore,
reduce the pressure put on particular areas at any
given moment. Sustainability is defined as human
use of the environment that is consistent with
biophysical functions. In other words, natural
systems are not disrupted to such an extent that
ecological relationships and the landscape are
irreversibly altered (Hercock 1999).
Carr ying capacity, as a measur e of
sustainability, is a practical tool to use in
maintaining the balance between development
and conservation. It can serve as a benchmark
against which one can measure change and the
causes of that change. Carrying capacity will
serve as the early warning system for trouble
(Chamberlain 1997). Although carrying capacity
may have various meanings (e.g., in relation to
the maximum number of people who could
potentially inhabit the Earth at the same time), it
is more often used to determine the level of human
activity an area can accommodate without
adverse effects on the resident community or on
the quality of visitor experience.

defined as geographic areas offering a variety of

facilities, services and activities which are
oriented toward seaside recreation for the
accommodation, use and enjoyment of visitors
Smith (1991), as cited in Stewart (1993). The
evolution of beach resorts has merited considerable
attention in the literature. Smith (1991 and
1992a, in Stewart 1993) It was observed that
while beach resort development begins well, as
the resort matures, resort ambience deteriorates,
pollution levels climb, negative social impacts
increase, and questions of the distribution of
economic benefits arise. This observation closely
parallels the concept of The Tourism Area Life
Cycle (TALC) by Butler (1980). The concept is
similar to the product life cycle and is used to
track the progress of the resort region. It can
provide advice regarding appropriate timely
action aimed at avoiding regional decline which
may otherwise be inevitable. Smith (1991) further
maintains that an understanding of how resorts
grow and change over time is imperative if the
benefits of beach resorts are to be realized and
their negative aspects anticipated and mitigated.
Objectives and Significance of the Study

As cited by Stewart (1993), one of the earliest

formal definitions of carrying capacity was that
put forward by James and Ripley (1963) who
simply defined it as the biological and physical
limitations of the land to support recreational use
(cited in Pratt 1976). However, an examination
of works of several other authors revealed other
dimensions to the carrying capacity concept.
LaPage (1963) in Stewart (1993) maintained
that there are two essential components to be
considered: 1) the aesthetic recreational carrying
capacity, which is defined as that level of
development and use beyond which measurable
decreases in satisfaction occur as a direct result
of gross numbers of recreationists; and 2) biotic
carrying capacity, which might be defined as that
level of development and use beyond which the
site's capacity to provide a sustained high level of
satisfaction becomes impaired due to severe
damage to the natural site.
Coastal Resorts
One of the primary destinations for tourists
in the coastal zone is a beach resort, which can be

The municipality of Calatagan has a 48-km

coastline, which is one of the longest among the
towns and cities in Batangas province. Its
richness in coastal resources makes it a suitable
tourist destination due to its beautiful beach resorts.
Conservation and protection of marine
resources is one major focus of the Verde Passage
Marine Biodiversity Conservation Corridor
(MBCC), which covers an area of 494,700 ha in
the middle of the Mindoro-Calavite-Tablas
Triangle, and is bounded on the north by the
province of Batangas, on the south by Oriental
Mindoro, on the west by Lubang Island, Occidental
Mindoro, and the Luzon Sea, and on the east by
Tayabas Bay, Quezon and the waters off
Marinduque. The corridor is the center of the
Indo-Malay-Philippines Archipelago (IMPA), a
region that has long been considered the area of
highest marine biodiversity, with the greatest
number of tropical shallow water habitats on
earth, including coral reefs (Corridor Highlights,
undated?). There are, however, also considerable
dangers, as these communities are under grave

13

Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)
threat due to habitat degradation and poorly
planned coastal resources development. Thus,
results of this study could provide inputs for the
local government of Calatagan on how the
resource can be used and managed sustainably.
This study aimed to assess the beach carrying
capacity for ecotourism of Calatagan in Batangas
where tourism is starting to flourish with its
beautiful beaches and rich marine resources.
Specifically, it aimed to: 1) identify and assess
limiting resources that determine the carrying
capacity; 2) determine the resources available for
tourism, and 3) assess the beach resort carrying
capacity, particularly for swimming.

of the environment should be preserved and protected.

In this endeavor, the tourism industry and the
community should work hand in hand in protecting
the integrity of the environment toward sustainable
tourism or ecotourism through determining the
resource carrying capacity by use or activity. In
return, ecotourism would benefit the community,
the government and the different stakeholders
(Figure 1). The concept of ecotourism should be
the type of tourism that must be promoted in
Calatagan and not just mass tourism. In ecotourism,
this will ensure that tourists coming to Calatagan
and the diff er ent stakeholder s ar e made
environmentally aware and responsible. Ecotourism
is tourism that is focused on the preservation
and protection of the natural environment.

Theoretical Framework
METHODOLOGY
Tourism is an industry being promoted for
the promise of economic benefits for the community
and the government through additional employment
opportunities for local residents, income generator
for the government and income taxes for the local
government (LGU). However, since the kind of
environment attracts tourists, the good condition

Tourism
Industry

The study was conducted in the Municipality

of Calatagan, Batangas Province from June 2007
to March 2008. Secondary data on Calatagans
municipal profile, Comprehensive Land Use Plan
(CLUP), and existing tourism destinations were
used. These information were obtained from the

Environmental
Supporters

Community/
Local
Authorities

Figure 1. Carrying Capacity as a Tool for Sustainable Tourism

C
A
R
R
Y
I
N
G

C
A
P
A
C
I
T
Y

E
C
O
T
O
U
R
I
S
M

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

14

Municipal Planning and Development Office.

Primary data were gathered using survey
questionnaires from sample respondents that
were randomly selected from the coastal barangays
with the top tourist destinations. Respondents
consisted of all barangay captains (village chiefs)
who served as key informants, eight resort owners/
managers, and 42 tourists from different resorts.
Perceptions, attitudes and behavior of the
respondents with regard to conservation were
solicited. Formal group discussion (FGD) with
the agriculture and environment officer (MAO/
MENRO), Bantay Dagat officer, MFARMC and
fisherfolks, was also employed. Analyses using
projections, frequency counting and averages
were done. Additional demand for water and impact
to solid waste management brought about by
tourism development, were likewise projected.
Carrying capacities for swimming area were
computed using the formula of Boullon (1985),
as cited in Libosada (1998). The formula to estimate
the tourism carrying capacity in a swimming area
is as follows:
Carrying Capacity =
Area used by tourists (i.e., swimming area)
Average Individual Standard
Rotation Coefficient=
No. of daily hours area is open to tourist
Average time of visit
The total number of allowed daily visits is then
computed by:
Total Daily Visit=
Carrying Capacity x Rotation Coefficient
In this estimation of the carrying capacity, the
following assumptions were made:
1. The swimming area was equal to the shore
length (48 km) x distance from the shore
seaward (0.2 km). The swimming area is then
equal to 9.6 km2 or 9,600,000 m2
2. Different average individual standards were
used for exploration:
a. The average individual standard of 500 m2

(as adopted from Boullon 1985); and

b. The standards in the Visitor Carrying
Capacity Guidelines used by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection,
Division of Recreation and Parks, with
the area requirement for swimming activity
of 50-200 ft2 of water per swimmer.
The Study Area
Calatagan is a third class municipality in
Batangas province (Figure 2). There are 25
barangays in the town, 19 of which are coastal
barangays. Increasing population growth and
human activities in the area in the past few
years, coupled with industrialization of nearby
towns, have caused undue pressures on the
environment, particularly on coastal resources
(Rapid Area Assessment of Calatagan, Batangas
2007). Moreover, tourism is one of the potential
income-generators of the municipality. Tourist
spots in Calatagan are known not only in the
municipality but also internationally (CLUP of
Calatagan 2001). The land use in Calatagan is
shown in Table 1.
Calatagan can be reached by land using
private vehicles or public utility buses via 120
km of first class road from Manila. There is a
private airport being maintained one km north
of Calatagan town.
Calatagan has a Type I climate. The dry season
generally starts from November and continues
to April. The rainy season begins in May and
ends in October. The annual average temperature
is 27C. The rainy season is usually accompanied
by typhoons and monsoons. Calatagan is rich in
natural resources. It has beautiful beaches
characterized by coralline sand, mangrove areas,
fishponds and prawn ponds. Marine resources
include coral reefs consisting of coralline sand
or muddy bottom, coral communities, mangroves
and sea grass communities.
The most recent study on seagrasses was
conducted by Conservation International in
2007. The study showed that the diversity,
abundance and growth rate of seagrasses in
Calatagan, Batangas are comparable with
seagrass beds in other areas such as Cagayancillo

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Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)

Talibayog

Baha

Gulod
1352'0"N

200'0"N

Sambungan
Lucsunin
Carlusa
Real

Encarnacion
Bucal

Balitoc

100'0"N

Quilitisan

1250'0"E

100'0"N

1354'0"N

Paraiso
Carretonan

1200'0"E

150'0"N

Luya

Biga

1356'0"N

Balibago
Talisay

1150'0"E

200'0"N

12042'0"E

150'0"N

12040'0"E

1354'0"N

12038'0"E

1352'0"N

12036'0"E

12040'0"E

1200'0"E 1210'0"E

1250'0"E12120'0"E

12040'0"E

1210'0"E

12120'0"E

1420'0"N

50'0"N

50'0"N
1350'0"N

1350'0"N

Hukay
Barangay 1
Barangay 3
Barangay 2

1348'0"N

1348'0"N

Sta. Ana

140'0"N

Tanagan

140'0"N

Barangay 4

1340'0"N

1340'0"N

Bagong Silang

1346'0"N

Kilometers
0
12038'0"E

12040'0"E

0.0375
12042'0"E

0.075
12044'0"E

Figure 2. Location map of Calatagan, Batangas, 2008.

Table1. Land Use in Calatagan, Batangas, 2001
Land Use

Area (ha)

Percent

Agricultural

6,698.0766

63.62

Open grasslands

1,768.5561

16.80

Planned unit development

871.0806

8.27

Swamps, fishponds & bodies of water

417.2529

3.96

Built up areas

391.6375

3.72

Tourism

197.9243

1.88

Roads

143.3610

1.36

40.0000

0.38

10,527.8890

100.0

Industrial / Eco Zones

Total

Source: Assessors Office/Office of the Municipal Planning & Development Coordinator (in CLUP, 2001)

and Balabac in Palawan and Bolinao in Pangasinan

(CI 2007).
Calatagan mangroves covered 132.8 ha in
1950 (CLUP 2001). However, based on a study
by Bravo (2001), the remaining patches of
mangroves in Calatagan were only 18 ha. People
go to Calatagan to see the vastness of the coral
reefs along its municipal waters. The coral reefs

on the west side of Balayan Bay in Calatagan,

Batangas is a fringing-type. It is the largest in the
area measuring about 8 km in length and 3 km in
width. The reef crest is exposed during the
low-tide. The reef slope gradually increases in
depth becoming a coral inhabiting zone. There
are 104 different kinds of coral species in Calatagan.
The municipal waters covers 947 ha with 66.3%
good coral cover.

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

16

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The Municipal Planning and Development
Officer (MPDO) is the designated Tourism Officer
of Calatagan. According to the Tourism Officer,
there are seven resorts existing in Calatagan.
However, looking at the list of registered businesses
in Calatagan for 2007, only three of them were
registered. Also, Calatagan had no Tourism Zoning
map as of the time of the interview. The following
are primary data gathered through interviews of
resort owners, tourists and key informants:
The Resort Owners
To find out the existing beach resorts in
Calatagan, it was best to get the information from
the different barangay captains who served as the
key informants. According to the key informants
interviewed, there were about 20 beach resorts in
Calatagan. The locations of these resorts were
plotted in Figure 3.
Out of the 20 existing beach resorts in
Calatagan, only eight of the resort-owners/
managers agreed to be interviewed. According to the
respondents, the average year in operation of the
12042'0"E

Balibago

W W
W

Paraiso
Carretonan

Quilitisan

Carlusa

Gulod
1352'0"N

Talibayog

Sambungan
Lucsunin

Encarnacion
Bucal

Balitoc

Barangay 2
Barangay 4

Tanagan
1348'0"N

1350'0"N

1350'0"N

Barangay 3

Legend

Bagong Silang

1346'0"N

W
W
W
W

Average Response

Number of resorts

42

Years in operation

Range

Range
No. of employees

Net income per year

1990-2006
14.03 ha
800 m2 92 ha
14
1 46
Php 290,714.29
Php 35,000 500,000

Peak months

March to May

Lean months

June to February

No. of visitors per month

W
W

Sta. Ana

Particulars

Range

Hukay

Barangay
W1

Table 2. Summary profile of resorts in Calatagan,

Batangas, 2008.

Range

Baha
Real

However, only three of the existing resorts

were registered. This translates to income loss for
the local government. Majority of the respondents
claimed that the peak months of their operation
fall during summer time from March to May, and
the rest of the year (June to February) the lean
months. During peak months, the average number
of tourists registered per resort was 1,570 mo-1
and 112 mo-1 during lean months. The average

Size of resort

1352'0"N

1354'0"N

Luya

Biga

Talisay

1356'0"N

12040'0"E

1354'0"N

12038'0"E

1348'0"N

12036'0"E

resorts in Calatagan was 6 years. The oldest was

established in 1990 and the most recent was in
2006. The average size of the resorts was 14.03
ha, ranging from 800 m2 to 92 ha (Table 2). The
average number of employees was 14, ranging
from 1 to 46. The respondents claimed that most
of their employees were residents of Calatagan,
helping the community by providing employment.
The average net income of the resorts was PhP
290,714 per year. The lowest amounted to PhP
35,000 while the highest was PhP 5 M yr-1.

Peak average

1570

Peak range

320 3000

Lean average

112

Lean range

4 300

1 Dot = 1

No_Resort
Brgy. w/ resorts

12038'0"E

12040'0"E

12042'0"E

12044'0"E

Figure 3. Tourism Map of Calatagan, Batangas,

2008.

Foreign guests

17.5%

Maximum resort capacity

173

17

Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)
maximum capacity of the resorts was 173 persons
day-1 based on the resorts facilities.
Some of the respondents were the resort
managers representing the owners, because the
owners were actually not residents of Calatagan.
T hey came fr om diff er ent pr ovinces or
municipalities, had acquired large tracts of land
along Calatagan coasts and developed the area
into resorts. The resort owners were not living in
Calatagan and come only to Calatagan during
weekends, the most frequent they could, to monitor
their businesses. Some of the owners were neither
born in Calatagan nor residents of Calatagan.
The Tourists
Majority of the tourist-respondents (52%)
originated from within Batangas and nearby
provinces such as Laguna, Cavite Bulacan and
the Metro Manila. Others came from Northern
Luzon (Pangasinan and Pampanga) and Mindanao
(Cotabato and Surigao del Sur). According to the
resort-owners, about 20% of their visitors were
foreign tourists. During the time of interview, the
researcher was able to interview Korean tourists
(17%) who said to be staying in Laguna.
Tourists chose to go to Calatagan for various
reasons. These included peaceful and serene
community (19%), beautiful beaches (19%), rich
marine resources such as beautiful coral reefs
(14%), and for diving and snorkeling activities
(11%). Others mentioned its clean air and
environment (13%) (Table 3). These could be
because Calatagan is not yet populated, having a
population of 48,873 (2007 figure) and a gross
population density of 5 persons ha-1 (computed
using 2007 population). With this knowledge,
the local government should prepare measures
how to preserve its marine resources and other
attractive assets/qualities of Calatagan for
ecotourism to be sustainable.
Majority of the tourist-respondents had their
own reasons for choosing the resort of their
destination (64%) while the rest (36%) had no
idea and depended only on referral by friends
who had been there or had known the manager or
through the internet search. Tourists go to a beach
resort for various leisure activities (Table 4). This

Table 3. Reasons why tourists choose to go to

Calatagan, Batangas, 2008.
Reason

Number Percent

peace & serenity

16

19

beautiful beaches

16

19

beautiful coral reefs

12

14

clean air and environment

11

13

good diving /snorkeling sites

11

not yet populated/good

retirement area

10

proximity

referred by friends

trying new/different places

84

100

Total

intention affects their choice of the resort.

Topping the list of activities was swimming in
the sea (31%), snorkel/dive (18%) and to go
boating (13%). For those who love to go diving
and snorkeling, the most important for them was
the beauty and availability of corals and different
fishes (62%). Other factors considered include
the beauty of the sea under and clear and clean
sea water (Table 5).
Since the availability and beauty of coral
reefs topped the requirements of the tourists who
love to dive and snorkel, the characteristics of
corals they most liked are shown in Table 6.
According to majority of the respondents, the
corals should be colorful (26%), healthy and
alive (21%), big (21%), with many fishes that
dwell in it (16%), and of different varieties
(11%). Majority of the respondents believed that
it is important to conserve and protect the corals
(71%), while the rest had no idea for its importance.
While for those who love to go swimming in the
sea, beauty of the sea under is also important
(5%). Many qualified what make up the beauty
under the sea (Table 7). Mostly mentioned was
the richness and color of corals (25%), the
cleanness of the sea, including the beach and the
clearness of water (20%), and to be able to see
dolphins, colorful fishes and some other under
water creatures (18%), and shells (13%). Off-shore,
the factors mentioned include fine/white sand (10%)
and the depth of water, safe enough for children.

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

18

Table 4. Activities the tourists want to do in a

beach resort, Calatagan, Batangas,
2008.
Activities
Swim in the sea

Number
34

Percent
31

20
14
11
11
8
7
4
4

18
13
10
10
5
5
3
3

110

100

Snorkel/dive
Boating
Collect shells
Nature trip/identify species
Swim in the pool
Fishing
Collect corals
Relax and enjoy food/
family bonding
Total

Table 5. Important factors for diving and snorkeling,

Calatagan, Batangas, 2008.
Factors

Number

Availability and beauty of coral

reefs and fishes

Table 6. Most liked about corals, Calatagan,

Batangas, 2008.
Factors

Number

Percent

Colorful

26

Live corals

21

Big corals

21

Many colorful fishes that live/

hide in corals

16

Many kinds of varieties to see/

appearance

11

What corals are for (their purpose)

19

100

Total

Table 7. Important factors for swimming, Calatagan,

Batangas, 2008.

Percent

Factors

Number

Percent

Rich/colorful corals

10

25

Clean/clear sea/water/beach

20

Dolphins, fishes, sea urchins,

other spp.

18

24

62

Beauty of the sea under

18

Clean/clear sea water

10

Not too deep/safety

Shells

13

For training/know how to dive

Fine/white sand

10

39

100

Know how to swim

Beauty of the sea under

Shallow water for kids/safety

40

100

Total

The Tourists Perceived Status of Marine

Resources
The tourists rated the status of marine resources
in Calatagan, Batangas (Table 8). They were
asked to rate selected marine resources from 1-5,
with 1 as the lowest or poorest condition and
5 as the highest or in excellent condition. The
beaches got the highest rating of 4.07, followed
by coral reefs and sea grasses (3.95), fish (3.77),
mangroves (3.71) and sea weeds (3.67). This
shows that the tourist-respondents considered
marine resources of Calatagan on the average, to
be in good condition. In this respect, the resortowners, environmental supporters and local
authorities should work hand in hand in
maintaining these assets if not to improve them.
The Tourists Perception on Tourism Promotion
Majority of the respondents (71%) believed

Total

Table 8. Rating of the status of marine resources,

Calatagan, Batangas, 2008.
Factors

Rating

Beaches

4.07

Coral reefs

3.95

Sea grass

3.95

Fish

3.77

Mangroves

3.71

Sea weeds

3.67

that Calatagan is a good place to promote

ecotourism because the place is not yet populated,
has rich coastal resources, beautiful beaches and
clean waters. They also mentioned that Calatagan

Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)
has a strong and active Bantay Dagat and that
people are organized. However, majority of the
respondents feared that promotion of mass tourism
in Calatagan may cause coastal environmental
damage (50%). Thirty-six percent believed otherwise,
while the rest (14%) had no idea (Figure 4).
Reasons cited in Table 9 include possible
environmental degradation that would result to
damage of corals/fish habitat (59%), waste
disposal problem (19%), disturbance to environment
like trees being cut to give way to the construction
of infrastructure (14%).
It can be noticed that tourists coming to
Calatagan had in mind the good physical qualities
of the place that made them decide where to go.
Majority of them were environment conscious.
Promoting ecotourism in Calatagan would be
easier with this kind of mindset of the tourists.

no idea
14%

may caus e
damage
50%

may not cause

damage
36%

Figure 6. Perception on tourism promotion.

Table 9. Respondents perception on the
development of resorts to cause coastal
environmental damage, Calatagan,
Batangas, 2008.
Feared Factors

Number

Damage to fish habitat/corals

Percent

13

59

Waste disposal problem

19

Disturbance of environment/
trees cutting for infrastructure

14

Specimen collection

Will drain underground water

22

100

Total

19

Carrying Capacity Assessment

Availability of facilities and infrastructure
The majority of visitors in Calatagan found
the transportation and infrastructural facilities, as
satisfactory or good. Different modes of
transportation can be used in going to Calatagan,
either private or public. Buses and jeepneys are
available public transport, and the roads are in
good condition. All the resorts surveyed had their
own sewage tanks. The resorts have toilets that
are flushed with freshwater.
Water Supply
Presently, there is no waterworks system in
the municipality. People procure water from
sources like shallow wells, artesian wells and
deep wells. Resorts and other establishments
have their own water tanks to supply the needs of
their clientele. Other residents have installed
hand-pumps for their domestic use. Based on the
Calatagan CLUP (2001), the projected water
requirement for Calatagan is shown in Table 10.
The projected demand for daily water consumption was based on the projected population and
per capita consumption of 75 li day-1. According
to the majority of tourist-respondents, the quality
and availability of fresh (tap) water in the resorts
were good. From 1-5 rating, with 5 the highest
(excellent) and 1 the lowest (very poor) the
respondents gave an average rating of 3.89 (very
good) for availability of water and 3.87 (very
good) for the quality. Generally, at present, there
is no water problem in Calatagan, both in terms
of quantity and quality.
Tourism Projection and Its Demand for Water
The average number of tourists registered per
resort during lean months is 112 and 1,570 during
peak months. Given these figures, it is assumed
that in 10 years time, the tourism industry in
Calatagan will be on its peak. According to the
Department of Tourism (DOT), there was a
126% increase in the number of tourists that
visited the province of Batangas from 2006 to
2007. Hence, conservative estimate using 10%
annual growth of tourism in Calatagan, there will
be doubling of the number of tourists visiting

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

20

Table 10. Projected Daily Water Demand, Calatagan, Batangas, 2001 2010.
Year

Population

Water Consumption
(li day-1)

2001

46,151

3,461,250

2002

47,259

3,544,425

2003

48,395

3,629,625

2004

49,558

3,716,850

2005

50,749

3,806,175

2006

51,968

3,897,600

2010

57,146

4,285,950

Source: CLUP of Calatagan, 2001.

Calatagan from 2007 to 2016. By 2010, there

would be a total of 2,981 tourists coming to
Calatagan during lean months and 41,793 during
peak months. The computed demand for water by
the tourists would be 223,608 l during lean
months and 3,134,505 li during peak months by
2010 (Table 11). The additional demand for water
by the tourists would be 0.17 percent of the total
demand for water by the populace of Calatagan
and tourists during lean months, and 2.38 percent
during peak months. Fresh water supply can be
considered adequate to meet present and near

future needs of Calatagan populace and tourism.

However, it is recommended that the focus
should be on upgrading and improving existing
water supply facilities to maintain the carrying
capacity and ensure continued visitor satisfaction.
Water use conservation should also be emphasized.
Solid Waste Management
Solid wastes of Calatagan were being
dumped in an open dumpsite with an area of
0.440 ha. The dumpsite is located in Purok 4 in
Poblacion which is 350 m away from the nearest
bodies of water. As cited in the City Development
Strategy Report of Santiago City (2005), average
daily waste generation is 0.7 m3 per person.
According to the HLURB planning guidelines
and standards (as cited from the CLUP of San
Juan, Batangas 2001), the area of a dumpsite
should be one ha per 30,000 population. In the
case of Calatagan, with a population of 48,873
(2007), the area of the dumpsite should be 1.63
ha. Without considering yet the effect of tourism,
the area of the dumpsite of Calatagan was
undersized based on the standard. With the
anticipation of booming tourism industry, the
LGU should take steps to address the solid waste
disposal problem. Besides, the LGU should comply

Table 11. Projected water demand of tourism in Calatagan by year 2010.

Values per month
2007

2008

2009

2010

Population

57,146

Number of Tourists
Lean Months

2,240

2,464

2,710

2,981

Peak Months

31,400

34,540

37,994

41,793

Demand for Water (li)

Population

128,578,500

Tourists
Lean Months

168,000

184,800

203,280

223,608

Peak Months

2,355,000

2,590,500

2,849,550

3,134,505

Percent to Total Water Demand

Lean Months

0.17

Peak Months

2.38

Assumption: consumption is 75 li day-1 person-1

Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)
with the provision of the Solid Waste Management
Act (RA 9003) on the conversion of open dumpsite
into controlled dumpsite and finally the use of
sanitary land fill. Solid waste management must
also be encouraged by promoting reduction in the
generation of waste. The LGU in cooperation
with the resort owners should implement a proper
education scheme for visitors on the reduction of
waste and promote civic consciousness among
tourists, as well as implement an appropriate
waste segregation and recycling program to
improve the carrying capacity.
Reef Carrying Capacity
Since tourists intended activities include diving/
snorkeling, the focus of attraction is the coral
reefs. The coral reef ecosystem is extremely
vulnerable to both natural and anthropogenic factors/
stressors. Globally, reefs are now receiving
increasing pressure from both the expansion of
reef tourism, and land-based activities. According
to Menez and Cabansag (2007), parameters sampled
for the five sanctuaries and adjacent reefs of
Calatagan shows a reef ecosystem that is highly
impacted. Poor land management and over fishing
including the use of destructive methods combine
to cause the degradation of coastal habitats.
According to Lim (1998), factors that could affect
the reef carrying capacity that are related to diving
and snorkeling are:
a) Level of experience of snorkelers/divers
Novice divers frequently stand on corals to rest,
or blunder against them, and thus are more likely
to damage fragile reef structures.
b) Accessibility
This is determined by the distance of a reef from
the dive shops, or ease of location (locating a
submerged patch reef can be a problem). This
implies that a reef can have a relatively high
carrying capacity simply by being difficult to
locate.
In Calatagan, there were no moorings or
marker buoys visible. However, the Master Diver
and the boat operator were familiar about the
nearest location of coral reef were the diver/

21

snorkeler tourists will be brought to. For intro

divers and novice snorkelers, they will be taken
to a shallower reef that would be about 20-30 m
deep.
c) Attractions
An aesthetically pleasing reef with interesting
marine life will automatically have a lower carrying
capacity, particularly if it is easily accessible, as
popularity would put increasing pressure on the
reef. Increasing reef carrying capacity does not
imply taking steps to increase the numbers of reef
users; instead increasing reef carrying capacity
means taking appropriate management actions
that will ensure that minimal degradation to the
coral reefs occur despite them being exploited as
a tourist attraction (Lim 2007). This means that
tourism in Calatagan can still capitalize on the
beauty and attraction of the reefs but should have
management strategies in place so as not to
compromise the ecological condition of the reefs.
CARRYING CAPACITY ESTIMATION
Swimming Area
Some of the tourist-respondents go to the
beach resort on a day-tour, some spent overnight,
and some spent their weekends in the resort. On
the average, tourists spent 10 hrs in the resort
doing recreation activities such as swimming,
snorkeling and diving, and the resorts are open to
visitors 24 hrs a day. Adopting Boullons
standard, results were as follows: 1) carrying
capacity was 19.2; 2) Rotation Coefficient was 3;
thus, 3) average daily visits was 58. This means
that using the standard area requirement per
swimmer of 500 m2 the number of daily visitors
or tourists should not exceed 58. However, the
average individual standard used by Boullon
seems so big for Philippine standards. As
observed in the beach resorts in Calatagan, people
in the water are within reach and conversation, at
about 2-10 meters away from the others.
According to the Visitor Carrying Capacity
Guidelines used by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation
and Parks, the area requirement for swimming
activity is 4.65-9.30 m2 of water per swimmer. If

22

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

we use the upper limit of 9.30 m2, the CC will be

522, and the daily visitors would be 1,565. Using
the lower limit of 4.65 m2, the CC and the
maximum daily visitor s will be 2,087 and
6,261, respectively.
Using the data of 2007, the number of daily
visits during lean months (June to February) is 75
and 1027 for peak months (March to May)
(Figures 5a, 6a and 7a). By 2010, projections
show that the number of daily visits will be 99
and 1393 for lean months and peak months,
respectively (Figures 5b, 6b and 7b). Using
Boullons standard, the results imply that for both
2007 and the projection for 2010, the average
actual daily visits either during lean or peak

months, are way beyond the tourism carrying

capacity in terms of swimming area (Figures 5a
and 5b). However, using both the lower limit and
upper limit of the standards for swimming area
per swimmer by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection, the actual number of
visitors either during lean or peak months for the
current year, were still very much below the
carrying capacity of Calatagan, Batangas (Figures
6a and 7a. Similarly, using the projected data
for tourist inflow by 2010, the carrying capacity
is still way above the actual number of visitors
using the lower limit of 4.65 m2 (Figure 7b).
However, using the upper limit of 9.30 m2, the
actual daily visitors exceed the carrying capacity
during peak months (Figure 6b).

Figure 5a. Carrying capacity and tourism flow in Calatagan, 2007 (Using Boullons Standard 500 m2 per swimmer).

Figure 5b. Carrying capacity and tourism flow in Calatagan, 2010 (Using Boullons Standard 500 m2 per swimmer).

Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)

Figure 6a. Carrying capacity and tourism flow in Calatagan, 2007 (Using 9.30 m2 per swimmer).

Figure 6b. Carrying capacity and tourism flow in Calatagan, 2010 (Using 9.30 m2 per swimmer).

Figure 7a. Carrying capacity and tourism flow in Calatagan, 2007 (Using 4.65 m2 per swimmer).

23

24

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

Figure 7b. Carrying capacity and tourism flow in Calatagan, 2010 (Using 4.65 m2 per swimmer).

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

From Metro Manila, the nearest coastal resort
centers are located in the provinces of Batangas,
Cavite, and Quezon in Southern Luzon. In the
province of Batangas, developed tourist
destinations nearer to Manila are in Nasugbu and
Lian. And now, Calatagan, a town next to Lian is
being discovered as a new tourist destination.
Calatagan offers a place that is not yet densely
populated, with clean and peaceful environment
and pristine marine resources.
Beaches are highly valuable tourist resources
therefore, determining their capacity is an essential
factor for their sensible use and management
(Silva, undated). Negative environmental impacts
of tourism include pollution (e.g. sewage, litter,
sedimentation, sunscreens), resource depletion
driven by tourist demand (e.g. for seafood or
souvenirs), clearing of mangroves to develop
tourism infrastructure, human disturbance of
organisms, tour boat anchoring, and trampling on
corals and seagrasses (Orams 1999; UNEP 2003;
as cited in Roman et al., 2007).
Calatagan is still young in the tourism business.
Based on the tourism projection and estimation
of carrying capacity for swimming area until
2010, the actual average daily visitors are still
very much within the carrying capacity the whole
year round, using the standard in the Visitor Carrying
Capacity Guidelines used by the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation

and Parks. However, using Boullons standard,

the actual average daily visitors are way beyond
the carrying capacity throughout the year, but
most especially during peak months (March to
May). For the resort-owners, the peak months are
good business months, their most profitable
months. There is now a big question on how to
mitigate the possible negative effects on the
environment that can be brought about by the
expected boom in tourism industry. Carrying
by beach resort owners. For them, the limiting of
rooms or beds available to accommodate them,
and not the physical or biotic carrying capacity
for swimming area.
The understanding of fundamental differences
between carrying capacity types and how to link
and integrate them within management plans was
enabled. Different researches came up with
different standards. It also illustrated the difficulties
in producing a universal carrying capacity formula,
which can be applied in any beach indiscriminately.
Nevertheless, the limitations encountered do not
question the validity of these studies, as they are
evidently of great importance for beach management
and thus should be used in a flexible way, fully
adapted to the existing specific site condition.
Based on the ocular observation during the conduct
of the survey, the standard of 50 ft2 200 ft2 per
swimmer was found more suited to the Calatagan
scenario and probably, to the Philippine scenario
as well.
For carrying capacity to be a useful tool for

Journal of Environmental Science and Management Vol. 12. No. 2 (December 2009)
tourism planning and management, it should not
be approached in a mechanistic manner (i.e. trying
to determine a "magic number"), but should
rather be seen as a means of identifying thresholds
that require attention, and as an optional form of
controlling the system through the imposition of
partial or complete limits (Getz 1983).
The following are some recommendations
that could help prevent the degradation of
Calatagans coastal environment:
1. Information and Education Campaign (IEC).
First and foremost is the education and
information campaign to be done by the LGU
along with the concerned government agencies
like the Department of Tourism (DOT) and
the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR). The people in Calatagan,
especially the stakeholders, should be informed
of the importance of natural resources and
how they could be protected, conserved and
preserved. In this way, the people can also
inform the tourists coming to Calatagan of
protecting and conserving the ecological system
(e.g., through videos or slide shows on the
marine environment). On the other hand, the
resort owners must have planned activities
towards environmental conservation and
protection (i.e., coastal clean up; putting
signages or warnings against getting souvenirs,
proper waste disposal, etc.). Thus, the true
sense of ecotourism would be promoted and
would not be in conflict with the ecosystem.
2. Effective monitoring of the LGU of the
underground resorts, meaning, those operating
in the guise of for private use only. Penalties
for those operating without license should be
imposed. As far as the records of licensed
resorts to operate in Calatagan, Batangas, only
three were registered. This means income loss
for the local government and an obstacle to
effective monitoring.
3. For effective monitoring of new entrants to
the tourism business, new resorts to be
established should conduct Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) and acquire
certification from DENR, such as the
Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
4. Effective implementation of the environmental
code should be done. Some resort owners

5.

6.

7.

8.

25

mentioned problems with increasing siltation

of the waters near the shore. It was said to be
due to the construction and development
activities in some of the new resorts. There
should be mitigating measures on how to
avoid this. Management of construction
wastes/debris should be in place. Also,
construction of structures should adhere to
Riparian Code or buffer zone so as to avoid
coastal erosion and landscape degradation.
Resort owners should provide guided snorkeling
activities, and the use of glass-bottomed boat
rides should be considered. This will be an
alternative for novice snorkelers to prevent
close contact to the coral and thus, will prevent
coral damage.
Participatory approach. The community, as
stakeholders, should also be involved in the
formulation and implementation of the various
environmental programs. As part of the process,
they need to do their part to protect what they
know belongs to them. In their own little way,
they can help in keeping their environment
clean and by policing those activities that can
cause degradation of the coastal environment.
Legislation and enforcement. Knowing the
limits on our environment, Calatagan legislators
can now make ordinances that would protect
and conserve coastal zones. However, these
ordinances should be accompanied by effective
enforcement. This is now left with the political
will of the LGU.
Support from all stakeholders, such as the
resort-owners, the local people, environmental
supporter s, NGOs, pr ivate gr oups or
individuals, along with the local and national
government like DENR, BFAR for the success
of all efforts towards environment protection.

Some limitations of this study include the

computation of ecological or biotic carrying
capacity which requires inputs from different
experts. This study is not an end to itself. The
author intends to continue conducting the study
to develop a model of carrying capacity best
suited to Calatagan coastal tourism conditions,
and consequently applicable to other coastal
tourism conditions in the Philippines.

26

Beach Carrying Capacity Assessment of Coastal Ecotourism in Calatagan, Batangas

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