At A Glance
- The creation of the OPAPRR comes as part of the "Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli" initiative, which seeks to transform the polluted river into a commercial and tourism hub featuring parks, bike lanes, walkways, and commercial spaces.
President Marcos has created a new office dedicated to the rehabilitation and development of the Pasig River, in a move to push forward his administration’s initiative to revive the historic waterway.
Pasig River (Argyll Geducos)
Executive Order 92, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Aug. 13, established the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation (OPAPRR).
The new office will be headed by a Presidential Adviser with Cabinet rank and tasked to oversee the timely implementation of policies and programs for the Pasig River’s restoration.
The OPAPRR is mandated to advise the President on all matters related to Pasig River rehabilitation, coordinate with local governments, and monitor directives issued for the river’s development.
It is also responsible for harmonizing efforts across national agencies, government corporations, and the private sector in implementing projects along the 25-kilometer riverfront.
The office will submit bi-annual progress reports to the President.
The creation of the OPAPRR comes as part of the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” initiative, which seeks to transform the polluted river into a commercial and tourism hub featuring parks, bike lanes, walkways, and commercial spaces.
EO 92 likewise reorganized the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) to facilitate and ensure the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems.
The Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation will serve as chair of the council, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair as vice chair.
Other members include the Secretaries of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Public Works and Highways, Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, Labor and Employment, Tourism, Transportation, Finance, and Budget and Management.
The Pasig River, which connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, has long been plagued by pollution and encroachment, with previous rehabilitation programs facing challenges in enforcement and coordination.