DENR exec: Dolomite beach to remain closed to give way for Manila Bay rehab completion

The Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach will remain closed to the public even after November 3, 2021 to give way for the completion of rehabilitation and expansion works in the man-made beach, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Wednesday.

“Ngayon, isasara natin para bigyan daan ang pagtatapos ng ibang gawain doon. Ang gusto ng ating Inter-Agency Task Force at ng ating kalihim ay para mag-enjoy ang ating kababayan ay tapusin na po natin lahat ng gawain,” DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said at a press briefing.

(Now, we will close it to give way for the completion of the remaining works there. The Inter-Agency Task Force and our secretary want our fellow citizens to enjoy it so we will finish everything that needs to be done.)

Leones said the DENR is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways and the project’s contractor to ensure there are no visitors in the area.

“[D]ahil may materyales at equipment po na dadaan sa dolomite area kaya minarapat na isara muna para di maabala sa gagawin dolomite area,” he said.

(Because the materials and equipment will go through the dolomite area, thus we opted to close it so as not to disrupt the works to be done in the dolomite area.)

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

Last week, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the DENR is considering closing the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach until its expansion is completed. 

“Tulad ng aming naipangako, ipagpapatuloy po natin pagsasaayos ng Manila Bay. Tutukan po natin ngayon ang paglilinis ng tubig sa Manila Bay upang sa ganon hindi na lamang pasyal ang maaaring gawin ng ating kababayan sa dolomite area kundi pati pagligo at paglangoy,” Leones said.

(As we promised, we will continue the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. We will focus on cleaning the waters of Manila Bay so that visitors can also swim there apart from just touring the area.)

Apart from cleaning the water, the DENR will also complete the repair of the drainage system in the outfalls of Padre Faura and Remedios Abad.

The agency will also renovate the fishing areas along the parts of Manila Yacht Club and construct a playground for children.

The DENR will likewise construct two solar powered comfort rooms, souvenir shops, and an administrative office to oversee the operations in Manila Bay.

Also part of the project is the putting up of light posts along the baywalk.

Leones said the DENR is targeting to complete the works in the Manila Bay this year or by the first quarter of 2022. — RSJ, GMA News