Binay, Tolentino seek proper crowd management at Manila Bay dolomite beach

Senators Nancy Binay and Francis Tolentino on Tuesday urged the government to implement proper crowd management at Manila Bay’s dolomite beach after the reported overcrowding last weekend.

In a text message, Binay suggested temporary closure of the dolomite beach while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is crafting regulations on the ingress and egress of the people in the area.

“Mas maganda siguro kung pansamantala munang isara ang dolomite beach habang wala pang regulasyon at sistema ang DENR sa area,” she said.

(Maybe, it is better to temporarily close the dolomite beach while there are no regulations from the DENR.)

“Kaloka lang, kasi habang 'yung ating mga frontliner sa health sector are doing every necessary intervention in controlling the spread of new [COVID-19] variants, there are also those who organize events or offer unnecessary attractions yet failed to manage the crowds resulting in rapid community transmissions,” she added.

(It’s just frustrating that while our frontliners in the health sector are doing every necessary intervention in controlling the spread of new COVID-19 variant, there are also those who organize events or offer unnecessary attractions yet failed to manage the crowds resulting in rapid community transmissions.)

While expressing concern on public health, Binay pointed out the need for a “well-thought off” urban planning to provide more open spaces to the public.

“Siguro 'yung nakikita nating pagdagsa ng tao sa (Maybe the surge of people at) Manila Bay area at parks can be a good step forward for the national and local governments to rethink how green and open spaces will work best in the new normal context,” she said.

“Alongside health protocols, a well-thought out urban planning plays a big part in creating the best environment in or outside the cities which will make sense from a public health perspective,” she added.

In a separate text message, Tolentino said the dolomite beach "can remain open" but there should be a limit in the number of visitors.

“One should consider the carrying capacity of the beach. Proper crowd management,” he said.

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, despite the pandemic.

Jacob Meimban Jr., deputy executive director of the Manila Bay Coordinating Office, said on Sunday that they will be closing the dolomite beach every Friday for maintenance.

"In the coming days, we will be putting the additional adjustments. Una diyan gusto namin ipaalam sa publiko na magsasarado po kami tuwing Biyernes ng buong araw. Bigyan ninyo kami ng isang araw na i-maintain ‘yung dolomite beach dahil sa libo-libong tao na pumapasok," he said in a radio interview.

On Monday, Manila Police District chief Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco said a total of 65,000 visitors visited the artificial beach last Sunday.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar said more policemen will be deployed to the area to help ensure crowd control.

Earlier today, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno urged the government task force against COVID-19 to file complaints against DENR officials over the reported overcrowding at Manila Bay’s dolomite beach.

The DENR, however, announced that children 11 years old and below will no longer be allowed entry to the dolomite beach.—AOL, GMA News