Manilans flock to ‘Baseco Beach’

MANILA, Philippines — Thousands of Manila residents yesterday flocked to the so-called “Baseco Beach” in Tondo to beat the summer heat.

Adults and children enjoyed the waters of Manila Bay amid the warning of the Department of Health (DOH) and the city government against swimming in the bay.

The DOH said Manila Bay’s water is still not safe for swimming because of its high coliform level.

An estimated 3,000 people were on Baseco Beach as of 10 a.m. yesterday, according to the Manila Police District.

People set up tents and picnic mats along the bay.

Among the beachgoers was Edmundo Roquero, of Road 10 in Port Area, and his family.

“I cannot afford to bring my kids to expensive beach resorts so we decided to swim in Manila Bay. We brought food and drinks,” Roquero told The STAR.

Earlier, DOH Undersecretary and spokesman Eric Domingo said swimming in polluted water may cause skin diseases, sore eyes, gastroenteritis, hepatitis A and typhoid fever.