Promenaders will still get a glimpse of the famed Manila Bay sunset despite the closure. FILE PHOTO

The shoreline between the Manila Yacht Club and the US Embassy, more popularly known as the Baywalk, will be temporarily closed to give way to the ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, head of the inter-agency task force in charge of the clean-up and rehabilitation of the bay known for its famed sunset, said the closure will last for a week or two. No specific schedule for the closure was given.

Cimatu said the government is prioritizing the said stretch to prevent untreated effluent flowing out of three existing sewage outfalls from directly discharging into the bay.

“It’s our first target,” he said, adding two of the three sewage outfalls would be connected to a third outfall which, in turn, would be linked to a treatment facility.

The effluent would be treated in the facility before flowing into Manila Bay.

Last week, the Manila Zoo, which connects to the Estero de San Antonio Abad, one of the bay’s sources of pollution, was earlier closed by the city government to pave the way for the construction of a sewage treatment plant.

Cimatu clarified that the promenade would remain open so that the public can do leisurely activities, such as strolling, jogging, and watching Manila Bay’s famous sunset.

Signs, markers and other means of delineating the target area would be installed so the public can be guided accordingly, he added.

Last Sunday, the “Battle of Manila Bay” officially commenced aimed at improving the quality of its water.

Data from the DENR showed that the level of coliform bacteria in the target area’s waters is already more than one million most probable number (MPN) per 100 milliliters. The safe level is 100 MPN per 100 milliliters only.

Thousands of volunteers and agencies take part by collecting trash scattered around the bay, as part of the first leg of a rehabilitation program seen to last years.

Meanwhile, former Presidential adviser on political affairs Francis Tolentino who is running for a senatorial seat in this year’s midterm elections said the government should not single out a few establishments in the pollution of Manila bay.

Appearing at the weekly press forum ”Kapihan sa Manila Bay” on Wednesday,Tolentino said the DENR should also trace the source of pollutants by inspecting the 273 esteros all over Metro manila who contributes to Manila Bay’s present conditions.

“Instead of putting the blame on Aristocrat restaurant and other establishments near the Bay, we must also trace all water passing to the 273 esteros all over Metro Manila coming from households, offices and factories that also contribute to the pollution of the bay. We should stop seeing trees but instead look at the entire forest” Tolentino said.