Yes you read that right!

Under Malay Municipal Ordinance no. 246, series of 2007, sandcastle making should be regulated. Sand-castle making, purpose of which is to be utilized as photography backdrop or any other purpose for a fee, shall be strictly prohibited.

Sandcastle making is the act of sculpting miniature buildings.The term has also been adopted by the locals as to any figures formed through the sand.
Some residents of the area earns from creating sandcastles for both local and foreign tourists. The tourists use it as backdrop to photos , making their travel in the area evident. They earn from a range of one hundred pesos (P100) per word to how much a tourists gives them.

Sounds like a win-win situation. But why is it prohibited?

Here is why.

This daily unregulated commercial activity tinkers with the natural terrain of the beach resulting to prolonged presence of irregular contours which affect the natural symmetry of the beach," the ordinance's rationale stated.

The statement can lead us to a miniscule destruction of nature's beauty which seems to be easily remedied if acted upon early. But if left unattended, may also lead to a possible decrement in the current state of the area's tourism.

There are designated areas for sand-castle making. But requires the following to be allowed the act:

• Mayor's permit
• payment of P100 per square meter (of the area utilized) per day
• shall not be at six meter stretch from the vegetation area towards the beach

The sand-castle shall not exceed five days. Also, the permits will be monitored.Violation of these can lead to a fine of P2,500 for the first offense. For the second and subsequent offenses, an additional penalty of no less than 30 days imprisonment shall be imposed depending upon the discretion of the court.

Here is my very own experience of the sandcastles. My mates and I toured ourselves around. Then it took us 200 pesos to have that built. Fortunately the makers have fled freely. I have actually noticed several sand-castles and some other piles of sand which seems like disfigured sand art. It is obvious that this business does exist.

photo credit from
https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ465sLH3akayysMaS_MTAw6VqrWVs8Fi40jKE9dOevHbCg91dBf6Vq5qs5ug

Information retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/region/2018/01/09/1776096/boracay-enforces-crackdown-illegal-sand-castle-making