DENR declares a portion of Manila Bay safe for swimming

At least one part of Manila Bay is already safe for swimming amid the ongoing massive rehabilitation, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday.

According to Chino Gaston's report in GMA's 24 Oras, Aguawan Beach in Mariveles, Bataan was opened for the recreational use of the public after its fecal coliform level significantly dropped to less than 10 most probable number (mpn).

The normal coliform level is 100 mpn and below.

The DENR lauded the local government's effort to rehabilitate the waters covered by the town's Barangay Sisiman.

Piggeries and sewers that were dumping wastes in the coastal waters—affecting the beach that can be found at the entrance of Manila Bay—have already been removed.

The locals said they were satisfied with the improvement.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, however, said that there's still a long way to go before the whole Manila Bay becomes safe for swimming.

He added that aside from residential and commercial establishments, large passenger vessels also contribute to water pollution in Manila Bay.

DENR will be conducting inspections on passenger vessels in the coming weeks to make sure that they have proper garbage disposal and wastewater treatment facilities. — Dona Magsino/BM, GMA News