By Mario Casayuran  Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong" Go has called on key government agencies to make sure that the newly re-opened Pasig River Ferry Service remains comfortable and convenient for passengers. Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go (MALACAÑANG PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) In a meeting the other day, Go also asked these agencies to keep the river clean, and guarantee the safe and smooth journey for commuters. “I implore agency heads to make sure that the ferry services will be convenient and comfortable for the people,” Go said. He is chairman of the Senate health committee. "Please make sure that the ferry service is clean and ensure smooth experience for the riding public. Let us all help in cleaning our river so that every passenger will have a better experience,” he added. After a decline in the previous decades because of pollution of the river, the Pasig River Ferry Service was revived in 2014 to alleviate traffic congestion in the burgeoning Metro Manila. In April 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte approved a proposal to institutionalize the Pasig River Ferry Convergence Program which includes plans to build seventeen more stations for the Pasig River ferry system in the next four years. There are currently 12 stations. At present, the transport service is being operated by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is responsible for the dredging operations in Pasig River. Go, a former special assistant of President Duterte, has earlier expressed his willingness to push for the provision of additional boats. The ferry service has a current fleet of seven boats. Several local government units (LGUs) and private companies have also committed to donate additional ferries. Go also suggested during the meeting that the ferry services be subsidized by the government for one year to provide more affordable fares for the commuters. He said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) agreed, saying that it would pool funds for such a subsidy. To avoid traffic, we will put additional ferries. We have already opened, we have already the ferry boats, fare is free until the end of January, but after that, I and the President will make sure that as much as possible, the passenger will only pay at cost so they could save on expenses and on their time,” he said. To ensure cleanliness of the river, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) was tasked to monitor discharges from nearby factories and issue violation receipts to rule breakers. For a more holistic approach, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will also be tapped to enjoin barangay (villages) in maintaining the cleanliness of the environment surrounding the river. Go reminded residents of Metro Manila that keeping Pasig River clean is a shared responsibility of everyone.