The city government of Manila on Saturday warned the public about the health risks of swimming in Manila Bay.
Mayor Joseph Estrada encouraged the people to get a respite from the summer heat in the city’s newly renovated parks, instead of diving into the unsafe waters of the Bay.
Studies conducted by health authorities showed that the Manila Bay contains high level of coliform which can cause a host of skin, intestinal and other diseases to whoever dives into it. The bay was never found to be suitable for swimming and bathing and did not pass laboratory tests for water safety standards for the past decade or so.
Estrada reminded the public that the city government enforces ordinances prohibiting swimming in Manila Bay citing health reasons.
Health Secretary Janette Garin earlier said it would be safer to visit public swimming pools or those that offer affordable entrance fees.
“If you swim in Manila Bay, it is like drinking others’ urine and swallowing the feces of other people. That’s how dirty it is,” said Garin.
Taking a dip in the polluted waters of Manila Bay exposes a person to diarrhea, dehydration, cholera, typhoid fever, Hepatitis B, respiratory diseases and skin allergies, Garin said.
Estrada said the now rehabilitated public parks serve as great venues for family gatherings, celebrations and relaxation this summer.
“Manila’s parks, fountains, historical sites and other public spaces are ‘show windows’ to the city’s progress and heritage, but these were neglected and left to deteriorate by the previous local administration. Muli nating binuhay ang mga ito para pakinabangan uli ng mga Manilenyo,” said Estrada.
The rehabilitation of parks and other public spaces in Manila is part of the city government’s comprehensive urban renewal programs and undertakings expected to be discussed and elaborated on by Estrada during his proclamation rally on Monday at the Liwasang Bonifacio open grounds at 4 p.m.
“The city government has allocated 100 million pesos to restore the grandeur of historical and important parks and landmarks in the city to preserve the heritage of Manila as part of Mayor Estrada’s urban renewal agenda,” said Arsenic Lacson, officer-in-charge of the Parks Development Office.
Lacson added they were able to make the fountains work and even embellished them with colored lights. He also emphasized that the cleaning, greening and tree planting, repainting, and overall improvement of Manila’s 48 parks, monuments and plazas are conducted all year round.
Among the city’s parks and landmarks that underwent major facelift are Plaza Rueda and Bonifacio Shrine along Taft Avenue, Plaza Hernandez in Tondo, Plaza De Virge in Pandacan, Plaza Hugo in Sta. Ana, and Plaza Guerrero across the US Embassy.