MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan reminded the public on Tuesday that the Dolomite and Baseco beaches in Manila are unsafe for swimming.
On the sidelines of an event at the Manila City Jail, Lacuna-Pangan told INQUIRER.net that while she understands some people may be tempted to use the beaches for recreation amid the sweltering weather, the two beaches’ water quality is not yet safe for swimming.
READ: DENR pushes to make Dolomite Beach swimmable before Duterte’s term ends
“To our compatriots who are feeling the heat lately, we are strictly reminding you that you are not allowed to swim at the Dolomite and Baseco beaches,” she said in Filipino.
“Because while the [fecal] coliform levels have gone down in those areas, it is still not safe to swim in them,” she added.
A previous Food and Drug Administration circular explained that fecal coliform is a type of bacteria found in water sources whose detection is often used to indicate the water’s sanitary quality.
In 2022, the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) said it aimed to make the Dolomite beach safe for swimming before the end of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
READ: Searing 44°C heat index forecast for Capiz’s Roxas City on April 2
While the Manila mayor did not disclose the current fecal coliform levels at the Dolomite and Baseco beaches, the DENR previously explained that a “swimmable” fecal coliform level is around 100 mpn (most probable number) per 100 milliliters of water.
“There are also still occasions when, due to the waves, some garbage is being washed ashore on those beaches. So we hope that you no longer attempt to swim at the Dolomite and Baseco beaches,” she continued.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, a heat index temperature of 42 degrees Celsius may be felt in Pasay City, while 41 degrees Celsius may be felt in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 2.