Locals continue to swim in Manila Bay despite DOH warning

Many people continue to swim in Manila Bay despite an advisory from the Department of Health warning against the contaminants found in its waters.

According to the DOH, industrial, domestic, and human waste are all present in the waters of Manila Bay.

Despite this, a mother of 8 still chooses to bond with her children by swimming in the natural harbor and share a meal along the shore.

According to a News to Go report, they were not afraid of any sickness that may be acquired because the activity has long been a family tradition.

A year after the DOH released a warning against Manila Bay, there continues to be a disagreement on its current state.

The Manila Tourism and Cultural Office said last month that the water is now clean enough to be safe for swimmers—even conducting a “water bucket” challenge among its officials to prove their statement.

"Ginagawa po natin yan para po ipakita sa buong mundo na malinis na po yung Manila Bay. I would encourage kasi naman po ang tubig naman sa Manila Bay free-flowing water. Naligo na po ako doon," said Liz Villasenor of the tourism office.

READ: City execs doused with Manila Bay water to show it’s now safe to swim in

However, several officials from the city health office disagree.

Clemente San Gabriel, sanitation department chief of the Manila City Health Office, said the bay still has a high amount of coliform, or bacteria found in the feces of warm-blooded animals.

Additionally, the ban from swimming in Manila Bay as stated in City Ordinance 3825 has not been lifted because it is still believed to be home to 36,000 CFU (colony forming units) per 100 mL of water.

READ: City gov't: Swimming in Manila Bay dangerous to your health

"Detrimental to health. Naliligo doon, skin disease. Kung makakainom ng tubig, gastroenteric diseases. Delikado," San Gabriel said. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News