1.

Introduction

Manila Bay is a natural harbour that serves the Port of Manila (on Luzon) in the Philippines. It is
strategically placed surrounding the capital city of the Philippines, allowing trade and commerce
between the Philippines and its neighbours. It was becoming the gateway for socio-economic
development even before the Spanish occupation.

After several years of serving as a trading port and tourist attraction, Manila bay continues to be
more polluted as time goes by and is said to be one of the most polluted bodies of water in the
world, In which caught the attention of many government officials, environmentalist, and
citizens not just here in the Philippines but also on some part of the world as well.

On January 27, 2019, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu officially declared the start of the Manila
Rehabilitation at the Baywalk in Manila. On hand to witness the declaration and joined in the
earlier event of Solidarity Walk from the Quirino Grandstand to the staging area (Baywalk) were
about 5,000 individuals, primarily representing the 13 Mandamus agencies and local government
units in the private sector.

Calling it the "Battle for Manila Bay," Cimatu, a former Armed Forces chief, said: "This is one
battle that will be won not with force or arms, but with the firm resolve to bring Manila Bay back
to life."

One of the implemented plans on this project is using dolomite to create an artificial beach that
would make the beauty of Manila Bay more outstanding. Also, DENR emphasized that beach
nourishment with the use of dolomite is a significant component of the rehabilitation aimed to
protect the coastal resources in the area and prevent coastal flooding, erosion, and pollution. In
addition, dolomite is a mineral and a naturally occurring chemical compound: calcium
magnesium carbonate. Based on the study, dolomite also is known as a neutralizer that lessens
the acidity of saltwater.

1. Main Issue

[Whether the dolomite beach should be allowed for visitors]

1. Health

Covid19

The country has been dealing with pandemic since 2019, but with the support of front-liners and
administration, the number of cases has been steadily decreasing. According to tribune.net.ph,
the lowest case of covid 19 this year was recorded on Sunday, February 21. Simultaneously,
covid19 vaccination has become more prominent. The Philippines has 62.7 million fully
vaccinated individuals or 57.2 percent of the country's population.
Effect of Dolomite on the Health of a Person

Dolomite is a mineral combination that occurs naturally and contains different quartz (crystalline
silica). Dolomite may be exposed to natural or mechanical processes that form tiny particles
(dust) containing respirable crystalline silica (particles less than 10 micrometres in aerodynamic
diameter).

Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused numerous life changes, including uncertainty, disrupted
daily routines, financial strains, and social isolation. An individual may be concerned about
getting sick, the duration of the epidemic, whether their employment will be affected, and what
the future holds. An overabundance of information, rumours, and disinformation can make us
feel out of control and leave us unsure of what to do.

We may suffer tension, anxiety, fear, despair, and loneliness due to the COVID-19 epidemic.
Mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression, can deteriorate.

1. Tourism

COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on rural livelihoods. Loss of income and job opportunities
were overarching challenges in poor communities in the Philippines.

1. Main Advocacy

The team believes that visitors should explore the dolomite beach.

1. Health

Covid19

Given the number of cases and the number of people vaccinated, the Philippines is now on alert
level 2. According to the Department of Health, establishments shall be allowed to operate or be
undertaken at a maximum of 50% indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals and
those under 18 years of age, even if unvaccinated, and 70% outdoor venue capacity. Provided,
however, that all on-site workers/employees of these institutions, or organizers of activities, are
adequately vaccinated against COVID-19.

Effect of Dolomite on the Health of a Person

Dolomite is possibly unsafe for most adults when taken by mouth. Some dolomite products
might be contaminated with aluminium, arsenic, lead, mercury, and nickel. Also, dolomite might
cause stomach irritation, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to the World
Economic Forum, the coronavirus has a size of 0.1-0.5 micrometres, which is far smaller than
the dust created by dolomite. With this data and the limitation that visitors constantly wear
facemasks, as if it were our new normal, it can also filter the dust.

Mental Health

According to a study done by scientists at the University of Kobe in Japan, persons who live
closer to the water have more substantial psychological impacts. We sometimes use numerous
prescriptions to keep going with the usual; nevertheless, what should be considered is stopping
the pattern and creating a space where relaxation, noises, scenery, and sensations may treat many
disorders.

1. Tourism

Tourism plays a vital role in the Philippine economy. As measured by the share of Tourism
Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the contribution of
tourism industries to the Philippine economy was estimated at 12.7 percent in 2018. Tourism
boosts the economy's revenue, creates thousands of jobs, develops the infrastructures of a
country, and plants a sense of cultural exchange between foreigners and citizens. The country
boasts rich natural beauty in its many spectacular beaches, sunny weather, and biodiversity.

1. Argument/s

Issue: Opening the dolomite beach for visitors will expose them to Covid19

Stand: The dolomite beach is legally permitted to function and receive tourists, but several
conditions must be met. Guidelines for reopening the dolomite beach are issued by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Reuel Sorilla, Director of the
DENR-Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) and ground
commander of the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, stated that only fully vaccinated persons
would be granted access the beach. It is necessary to bring vaccination cards to present at the
entrance gate and wear a face mask and maintain physical distance constantly. To maintain
health procedures, visitors to Dolomite Beach were allowed in groups of no more than 300
people per batch, according to specific schedules.

Issue: Dolomite can be harmful to our lungs

Stand: Dolomite is not a known health threat in its natural bulk condition. The Department of
Health has determined that dolomite dust is harmless. This is mainly because the particles are too
large to be inhaled and cannot irritate the lungs. According to the World Economic Forum, the
coronavirus has a size of 0.1-0.5 micrometres, far smaller than the dust created by dolomite
which is 10 micrometres. With this data and the limitation that visitors should always wear
facemasks to avoid getting the virus, it can also filter the dolomite dust.

Issue: Dolomite beach can't help to cure a mental health problem

Stand: "There's nothing like hearing the waves lapping on the coast, feeling sand under your toes,
and staring at the ocean to calm your body and mind," adds Healthy Driven's Edward-Elmhurst.
The beach can be a refreshing place that makes you feel better the longer you're there. Some
studies show that short walks along the coast can boost your mood and affect your mental health.
This is because the beach is considered a blue space. The beach does impact your mental health
in the following ways: It's a change of scenery. Some studies show that your senses experiencing
the same thing can cause stress. When you change your setting and go to the beach, your senses
are engaged in new sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. This can improve your mental state and
increase feelings of relaxation. It improves overall well-being. Getting exposure to the sun and
ocean air is excellent for your mental health. Likewise, spending time at the beach can lessen
anxiety and nervous system arousal, which is what makes you feel stressed and anxious. It lifts
your mood. Time on the beach increases your self-esteem and promotes relaxation.

Issue: Opening the dolomite beach would not bring any good to the country

Stand: The most important economic feature of activities related to the tourism sector is that they
contribute to three high-priority goals of developing countries: the generation of income,
employment, and foreign-exchange earnings. Opening the dolomite beach would give job
opportunities for the jobless will make the vendors sell more food, drinks and others.
 1. Conclusion

In conclusion, we believe that Dolomite Beach should be open for visitors. This would
significantly address tourist spots which could help in boosting the economy due to job
opportunities and foreign-exchange rates. This won't harm our health or the environment.
Instead, it can help them to have peace of mind. A rehabilitation project would help promote pro-
environment behaviour among Filipinos, hoping that the white sand would inspire people to be
more mindful of their obligation to help keep Manila Bay clean. It also aims to restore the water
quality of Manila Bay following the Writ of Continuing Mandamus of the Supreme Court.

1. REFERENCES:

https://www.denr.gov.ph/index.php/news-events/press-releases/3476-denr-issues-guidelines-for-
reopening-of-dolomite-beach

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/01/05/2151841/unvaccinated-visitors-banned-dolomite-
beach-denr#:~:text=Families%20flock%20at%20the%20%22dolomite,to%20observe%20strict
%20health%20protocols.&text=The%20DENR%20said%20walk%2Din,presented%20at%20the
%20entrance%20gate

https://guangzhoupcg.dfa.gov.ph/tourism-in-the-philippines

https://hellodoctor.com.ph/respiratory-health/respiratory-issues/dolomite-health-hazards/

https://elancostarica.com/sun-sand-and-sea-can-be-the-cure-you-are-looking-for/

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https://globaledge.msu.edu/blog/post/55748/the-importance-of-tourism-on-economies-a

https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2022/02/21/new-virus-cases-lowest-this-year/

https://doh.gov.ph/node/33590
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