ATTRACTION. The dolomite beach, as seen in this photo taken Tuesday (Oct. 26, 2021), is part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program and shapes public mindset on proper solid waste management. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources says dolomite is a known neutralizer that lessens the acidity of seawater, the reason it is used in aquariums. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)
MANILA – The city government of Manila supports the opening of the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach as long as safety guidelines are observed.
The management of the dolomite beach, despite its location in Manila, is still under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
After the rehabilitation is completed, it will be turned over to the city government.
The influx of people going out is expected now that Covid-19 infections are decreasing and restrictions are easing, according to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso in a television interview with a news channel on Tuesday.
“So far naman, we’re okay with the infection in Manila. Napakababa ng aming infection (So far we are okay with the number of infections in Manila as it is on a decline), but still, just be sensitive to the situation,” Domagoso said.
From a daily average of more than 1,000 during the past two months, Manila only has 536 active Covid-19 infections as of noontime on Tuesday.
“Sinusuportahan ko paglabas ng tao na dahil most of Manilans are vaccinated and its high time for us to go out and magkaron naman ng bagong ambiance o environment ‘yung mga bata, matatanda (I support people going out because most Manilans are vaccinated and it’s high time for us to go out and for the kids and the elderly to have a new ambiance or environment), but not this type of influx in one area,” he said, referring to more than 1.2 million fully vaccinated Manila residents out of the estimated 1.8 million population.
Domagoso said he wishes people would go to different places in Manila and not converge in one area to avoid the spread of Covid-19.
He said he respects the authority of the DENR.
“I’m grateful that they beautify the area but diligence must be observed especially in this situation where it can be a super spreader,” he said.
On Monday, Domagoso instructed the Manila Police District to assign additional officers in the vicinity of the dolomite beach to help put order and remind the public to follow health and safety protocols.
Starting Tuesday, children 12 years old and below are no longer allowed to enter the dolomite beach, according to the DENR.
It will also be closed from October 29 until November 3 and every Friday for maintenance works.
Since it was opened to the public on October 16 and until October 24, the DENR said that some 322,000 visitors have entered the dolomite beach, prompting even the Department of Health to ask the agency and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to regulate the crowd. (PNA)
