Remember the feeling of sand between your toes? Here at Manila Bay Dolomite Beach that sensation is a little different. It’s not your typical beach. Manila Bay Dolomite Beach is an urban, man-made marvel. This artificial beach is along Manila Bay. It was created through beach nourishment.
Manila Bay Dolomite Beach is part of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation project. This project aims for integrated coastal zone management. Its goal is coastal defense. The beach is planned to cover 900 meters of the Manila Baywalk when fully completed.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR initiated this project. It began in August 2020. This was part of their Beach Nourishment and Coastal Improvement Project. Phase 1 of Manila Bay Dolomite Beach is done. It covers 120 meters. Phase 2 aims to expand the beach to 500 meters.
But what exactly is beach nourishment? Debris was extracted from a 500-meter section of the baywalk. This area stretches from the Manila Yacht Club to the United States Embassy. Then two layers of ordinary sand were dumped. Crushed dolomite was overlaid on top of the sand.
The beach first opened to the public in September 2020. It was only open for two days. Then it closed for expansion. An entrance arch was installed by September 2021. It proudly displays the name: “Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach”.
You might wonder about the dolomite itself. It comes from Alcoy, Cebu. The Mines and Geosciences Bureau believes this project will boost tourism. It could improve commerce and protect coastal properties. The Department of Health assures us dolomite is not a known health hazard.
The DENR insists the dolomite poses no harm to Manila Bay’s ecosystem. The government discourages swimming here. The water’s fecal coliform level is still too high.
The Manila city government supports Manila Bay Dolomite Beach. President Rodrigo Duterte also voiced his support. The public showed great enthusiasm during its opening.
The project faced criticism too. Concerns arose about the timing during the pandemic. Some worried about environmental effects. Some senators argued the funds should have been for public health.
The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute had concerns. They said dolomite wouldn’t improve water quality. They also said continuous replenishment would be costly.
Despite the debates, Manila Bay Dolomite Beach stands as a testament to innovative coastal management. It offers a unique experience. It reminds us of the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and protect Manila Bay. It is a constantly evolving space. Perhaps one day, swimming will be encouraged.