MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos. Image from MMDA / PIO chief Sharon Gentalian
MANILA, Philippines — The chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) advised the public not to overcrowd the newly opened Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay and observe the minimum health standards to prevent infection of COVID-19.
MMDA chair Benhur Abalos said on Wednesday that despite the downgrading to alert level 3, COVID-19 infection remains a threat to people and overcrowding would possibly lead to a superspreader event.
“Well, nakakabigla.(It’s shocking) It could be a super spreader event at that,” Abalos said over CNN Philippines when asked his opinion about the gathering of crowds on the “white sand” beach, which was reopened to the public on Saturday.
“When we went really down to alert level 3, talagang ang tao parang nakawala, talagang nag-queue (the public queued after being locked down for so long),” he added.
READ: Manila Bay’s ‘Dolomite Beach’ reopens to public on first day of alert level 3
Abalos, however, noted that the MMDA has sent personnel on the Dolomite beach to help the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to maintain the order in the area.
The DENR has also deployed its own marshals in the area to remind visitors of the health protocols.
“I’m appealing that we should really practice discipline,” he said.
The Manila Bay’s dolomite beach is now open everyday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.
The beach attraction is now guarded with white picket fence with an arch greeting visitors at the entrance.
The rehabilitation project worth P389 million also was put under a firestorm of criticism, with some lawmakers and sectors deeming it an unnecessary expense, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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