DENR says Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach reopening had a good turnout

Despite having only a few people visit the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach during its reopening this month as compared to the voluminous crowds seen last October, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday said it was a good turnout.

“Sa ngayon, okay. Maganda naman ang turnout kahapon. Medyo konti lang ang pumupunta kasi nga naka-online booking kasi ang engagement natin para ma-ensure natin ‘yung dating ng crowds,” DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said during a Laging handa briefing.

(Right now, it’s okay. The turnout yesterday was also good because only a few were coming as we implemented an online booking system to ensure the arrival of the crowds.)

The artificial beach has been reopened for two days since Tuesday. It will then be closed for the New Year, then again open on January 4, 2022.

The DENR employed an online appointment system and had people enter by batches to prevent overcrowding and avoid possible transmission of the coronavirus causing COVID-19.

Leones said that only 300 people per batch are allowed to enter the beach and they could stay there for an hour only.

“So every hour meron lang kaming tinatanggap na 300 para maiwasan natin ‘yung naging lesson natin last time, na talagang nagdagsaan at maraming pumunta do’n,” he said.

(We only allow 300 per hour so we could avoid what happened last time wherein people flocked to the dolomite beach.)

Visitors must be fully vaccinated and be 12 years old and above to be allowed entry.

Bringing of pets, swimming, and vaping or smoking are also prohibited inside the dolomite area.

“Bawal magkalat at bawal kumuha ng dolomite sand do’n para hindi naman masira ang ating project do’n,” Leones added.

(Littering and getting sands are also prohibited so that our project will not be destroyed.)

The dolomite beach closed from October 29 to November 3, in accordance with the order of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the observance of Undas or All Souls' and All Saints' Days.

The DENR extended the artificial beach's closure to complete its expansion.

It reported there were around 120,000 visitors who went to the dolomite beach in October.

This resulted in the relieving of the Manila Bay executive assigned as ground commander overseeing the dolomite beach from his post due to the overcrowding incident that occurred.

Malacañang last year said the P389-M dolomite beach project will help in flood control and prevent soil erosion. 

The dolomite beach first opened to the public in September last year. —KG, GMA News