WATCH: Swimming still not allowed in Manila Bay, tourism chief says

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism reiterated that swimming is still prohibited in Manila Bay.

Although the fecal coliform level was reduced after Manila Zoo closed down following the Manila Bay clean-up, DOT chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said swimming is still not allowed until the problem on the polluted water is resolved.

Puyat, however, said she is happy the Manila Bay is becoming the tourist destination that it was before the need to restore the area.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier banned Manila residents and visitors of Manila Bay from swimming due to the coliform bacteria in the water.

— Rosette Adel