Swimming may be allowed in Manila dolomite beach – DENR

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday that swimming may be allowed in Manila Bay’s dolomite beach by the end of the year.

DENR Undersecretary for policy, planning and international affairs Jonas Leones said visitors may be allowed to take a dip in the man-made beach by December.

“Though people are allowed to visit the beach, swimming is still prohibited since there are still ongoing works to make the bay’s water quality fit for swimming,” Leones said.

“Apart from making sure that enough dolomite sand has been put in place, we are continuously checking drainage outfalls discharging into Manila Bay. Cleanup of creeks and waterways has also been intensified,” he added.

Leones said the rehabilitation of Manila Bay would continue so the level of fecal coliform in the baywalk’s waters could reach 100 most probable number per 100 milliliters, which is the standard level for swimming and other contact recreation.

“We ask the public to observe discipline and follow health protocols while in the area,” Leones said.

The P389-million rehabilitation program is pursuant to the 2008 writ of continuing mandamus issued by the Supreme Court, directing the DENR and 12 other government agencies to restore Manila Bay’s water quality to a level fit for swimming.

The project, which involves covering 500 meters of the bay’s shorelines with dolomite white sand, has received flak from those who cited health and environmental risks.

The dolomite beach reopened on Saturday after quarantine restrictions were eased in Metro Manila under Alert Level 3.