Environmental authorities have confirmed a significant coastal uplift in Barangay Pangyan, Glan, following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani Province and General Santos City on the morning of June 8.
Ground validation began after the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape Protected Area Management Office (SBPS-PAMO) received reports from residents on June 10 claiming that sea levels remained unusually low and had not returned to normal following the earthquake.
Despite damaged road conditions, personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Glan, accompanied by Protected Area Rangers, conducted coastal surveys in affected areas.
The team observed long stretches of shoreline, coral reefs and seagrass beds exposed above the water, particularly within the Pangyan Marine Sanctuary in Barangay Pangyan.
Authorities reported that exposed corals and seagrass beds had started dying, along with marine organisms inhabiting the area, including reef fish, eels, clams and shells. Residents also expressed concern over the odor from decaying marine life.
On June 11, aerial surveys and ground validation conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 12 confirmed the coastal uplift.
According to the findings, the seabed in Barangay Pangyan rose by approximately two meters, extending the shoreline by about 200 meters and exposing extensive coral reef and seagrass habitats.
SBPS-PAMO has since mobilized its Protected Area Rangers to document additional cases of coastal uplift and habitat damage throughout Sarangani Bay.
The DENR Region 12 said it will form a composite team with MGB Region 12 and partner local government units to conduct a scientific study of the Glan coastal uplift on June 16.
Authorities also encouraged the public to report similar incidents of coastal uplift in affected areas.
