DENR permanently opens Manila dolomite beach to public

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Friday said it has permanently reopened the Manila Bay Dolomite Beach since June 12.

DENR’s public information office (PIO) told GMA News Online that the area will be, however, closed to the public on Thursdays for cleaning and maintenance work.

“It was permanently opened to the public on June 12, during its inauguration. It will be, however, closed to the public on Thursdays for maintenance work.,” the DENR-PIO said in a message.

In a statement, the DENR said the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach is open for strolling and picture-taking from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The area can accommodate 1,500 to 3,500 individuals at a time.

“After this eventful yet arduous journey that started on January 27, 2019, we have kept our bearing unbroken and soldiered on to make into a reality what doubters thought to be not achievable,” DENR  Acting Secretary Jim Sampulna said.

“The journey has been a story of swift rebounds from the coronavirus pandemic and resurgent optimism as the country welcomes the leadership of President-elect Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr.,” he added.

Sampulna reiterated that the end goal is to make Manila Bay swimmable soon.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año expressed confidence that the rehabilitation program “faces a bright future” under the new leadership of the DENR and Manila local executives headed by Mayor-elect Honey Lacuna-Pangan.—AOL, GMA News