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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR eyes 'swimmable' Manila Bay dolomite beach by next year

DENR eyes 'swimmable' Manila Bay dolomite beach by next year

Published Oct 20, 2021 02:08 pm

Swimming may be soon allowed in Manila Bay's dolomite beach as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continuously rehabilitates the bay to improve its water quality.

People flock to the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach in Manila after it was reopened to the public on Oct. 17, 2021. (Photo by Ali Vicoy)

"Pinipilit natin na bago matapos ang administrasyon ay magiging swimmable na ang area na iyan (We are working to make the area swimmable before the end of the current administration)," DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said in a virtual media briefing on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

Antiporda said it won't take long before beachgoers are allowed to take a dip in the man-made beach as the bay's water quality has improved and works are still ongoing to make it fit for swimming.

"Nakikita po natin na hindi imposibleng makamit natin ito dahil malaki na ang ibinaba ng fecal coliform level dito (Making the dolomite beach swimmable is not impossible to achieve because the water's fecal coliform level has dropped significantly)," he added.

The DENR official bared that there are also plans of turning the dolomite beach into a tourist spot to help revitalize businesses in the area that have been affected by the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

The 140-meter beach area reopened to the public last weekend after quarantine restrictions were eased to Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila.

"Since may anxiety ang ating mga kababayan, isa pong malaking tulong ang dolomite beach kaya binuksan po natin ito para kahit papaano ay makatulong sa gitna ng pandemya (The dolomite beach is a big help for the public who are having anxiety. We opened it to somehow help them cope amid the pandemic)," Antiporda added.

As visitors continue to flock to the artificial beach, Antiporda assured that minimum public health protocols are being strictly enforced to ensure their safety.

He said marshalls are strategically stationed at the beach to check if visitors are following the protocols such as observing social distancing and wearing face masks and face shields.

Related Tags

Manila Bay swimming Dolomite Beach Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) benny antiporda
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