MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday it is overwhelmed by the “strong public reception” of the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach when it reopened over the weekend after quarantine restrictions were eased in the National Capital Region under Alert Level 3.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the public, which made the reopening of the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach successful,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.
Cimatu maintained that health and safety protocols were strictly observed by the visitors, adding that DENR personnel and security marshals are manning the area.
The 140-meter beach area, which was reopened to the public on Saturday, comprises the Phase 1 of the DENR’s Manila Bay beach nourishment project.
Cimatu said aside from promoting positive mental health, the dolomite beach project also serves as another location for viewing the scenic Manila Bay sunset along the Baywalk.
“We will gradually expand the area accessible to the public for viewing in the coming weeks as we progress on with the completion of the project,” Cimatu said.
The dolomite beach briefly opened last July, with 120 visitors per batch allowed to stay for five minutes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
This time around, Cimatu said visitors may stay as long as they want but only 300 people are allowed in the area during the adjusted visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cimatu said there is no need for people to be vaccinated to enter the premises, but wearing of face masks is mandatory while the use of face shield is optional.
He stressed that bathing in the area is prohibited as the level of fecal coliform in Manila Bay has not gone down to 100 most probable number per 100 milliliters, the standard level acceptable for swimming and other contact recreational activities.
Visitors are also not allowed to bring food, drinks and pets as well as pick up dolomite sand, spit and litter in the area.