EXPECTING more and more people to troop to nearby seaside areas in the metropolis with the advent of summer, Manila Mayor Joseph E. Estrada issued a warning for beachgoers to stay out of coastal sites, particularly around Manila Bay and the so-called Baseco Beach.
He raised this concern in line with the local health authority’s report on the higher-than-normal levels of bacteria found at the bay and beach areas, especially in these two public shores.
“Swimmers should avoid Manila Bay and the Baseco beach, unless they like fecal bacteria in their water,” the local chief executive said.
The mayor’s concern was validated by Dr. Benjamin Yson, head of Manila City Health Department (MCHD), who said they regularly test the water from the world-renowned Manila Bay and other beaches in the city for bacteria from bodily and other wastes.
“When these bacteria show up, it usually means fecal pollution that could come from animal or human waste,” he said.
The health official noted that these microorganisms could cause diseases, infection or rashes if they come in contact with the open wound of a swimmer.
Yson said exposure to these bacteria could result in skin diseases, diarrhea, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, cholera and severe loose-bowel movement.
Aside from fecal pollution and other coliform organisms, he said water in these bay areas is also contaminated with potential toxins from ship oil and gas.
Even prior to the MCHD study, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has already been issuing public advisory that the water in Manila Bay and the Baseco Beach should be avoided due to water-borne bacteria.
“It’s been 16 years since swimming in those two areas has been prohibited. We should follow this to avoid health problems,” Estrada said.
To further raise public awareness, the mayor ordered Manila Police District Chief Supt. Joel Napoleon Coronel to post police officers in the vicinity of Baseco Beach and Manila Bay to warn people to stay out of the filthy waters.
He said there are public swimming pools in the city where Manileños can refresh themselves and avoid fecal bacteria.
These include Dapitan Sports Complex, Paraiso ng Batang Maynila along A. Mendoza Avenue (Andalucia Sports Complex), Bagong Buhay in Pedro Gil, Tondo Sports Complex, and Jacinto Ciria Cruz Sports Complex in Pandacan.
Swimming in these public pools, which the Manila City Hall has improved, is free of charge and safe because the water is clean, Estrada said.