DENR to implement 'cinema approach' crowd control at dolomite beach

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday said it will implement a "cinema approach" in receiving visitors to Manila Bay's dolomite beach.

In a press conference, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said this is one of the measures the Manila Bay Task Force came up with to reduce the number of visitors to the dolomite beach.

“Crowd control will be implemented such as rotation approach and cinema approach, wherein allotment of time to visit and stay in the dolomite will be imposed,” he said, reading the DENR statement.

A 24 Oras News Alert report said visitors will be given tickets that will allow them to stay in the area for a maximum of two hours.

The DENR, as well as the police, recently drew flak after the artificial white sand area along Manila Bay drew large crowds over the weekend, including small children, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other measures that the DENR will implement are:

• closure of dolomite beach on Fridays
• closure on October 29 to November 3 in accordance to IATF order on the observance of All Souls' and All Saints' Days
• strict implementation of minimum health protocols in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
• setting up a special lane for persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant women

On Tuesday, the DENR also announced that children 11 years old and below will no longer be allowed entry to the dolomite beach. —KBK, GMA News