By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim Sampulna announced that the rehabilitated Manila Bay Dolomite Beach will reopen its doors to visitors on June 12.
The initial scheduled reopening in May was postponed due to the unfinished works on some of the infrastructures in the area.
“We are excited to open the dolomite beach to the public again on June 12. This is the good legacy of the Duterte administration, that’s why we really aim to open it before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s term ends,” Sampulna said.
DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and International Affairs Jonas Leones expressed his gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways and other government agencies in maintaining the 500-meter beach.
“This proves that the dolomite beach, thanks to the assistance of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the other agencies, is stable and will prevail,” he said.
Moreover, Manila Bay Coordinating Office Executive Director Jacob Meimban said the reopening of the beach is only for visitation, walking, and sunset viewing.
He said the dolomite beach is “not yet for swimming as water quality is still not within the 100 most probable number per 100 milliliters (MPN/100 mL) standard fecal coliform level.”
Once the beach reopens, the DENR will allow 1,500 to 3,500 persons to ensure compliance with minimum public health protocol. Pre-registration is not required, but full vaccination is encouraged among visitors. – ag
