The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday said it has moved the reopening of Manila Bay’s dolomite white beach to June 3.

According to PTV’s Balita Ngayon, the Dolomite beach’s reopening, which was originally scheduled for Friday, May 20, was pushed back for another two weeks.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones noted the adjustment was made to give way to the completion of other infrastructures in the area.

The DENR said it will also conduct a cleanup activity near the US embassy.

Leones earlier said Manila Bay’s rehabilitation is now at around 80-percent complete, as the DENR ramps up efforts to achieve a water quality fit for recreational activities, such as swimming.

However, he said the dolomite beach is not yet fit for such activity, although the DENR has recorded a significant decline in its average coliform level dropping to 21,100 mpn per 100 ml during 2021’s third quarter, from its pre-pandemic level of over five million mpn per 100 ml.

Once reopened to the public, only 500 persons will be allowed at the beach at a given time. (PNA)