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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider AI-powered robot waterway cleaning vehicle launched in Pasig

AI-powered robot waterway cleaning vehicle launched in Pasig

Published Oct 12, 2025 02:29 pm
The local government of Pasig, in partnership with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has launched “Clearbot,” an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered robotic vessel designed to clear floating waste and water hyacinth from esteros connected to the Pasig River.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joins MMDA Chairman Romando Artes (center), ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries (right of MMDA Chairman), and city officials during the launch of “Clearbot,” a solar-powered and AI-enabled robotic vessel that clears floating waste and water hyacinth from the Pasig River. (Photo from Pasig Councilor Angelu De Leon)
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joins MMDA Chairman Romando Artes (center), ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries (right of MMDA Chairman), and city officials during the launch of “Clearbot,” a solar-powered and AI-enabled robotic vessel that clears floating waste and water hyacinth from the Pasig River. (Photo from Pasig Councilor Angelu De Leon)
Clearbot (Photo from Pasig Councilor Boyie Raymundo)
Clearbot (Photo from Pasig Councilor Boyie Raymundo)
Mayor Vico Sotto led the event held in Barangay Pinagbuhatan on Friday, Oct. 10.
Sotto described the initiative as “a good step forward,” noting that they will now see how the innovation can be used to help clean up rivers.
“It's good to see the Clearbot in person, live in action. We've been talking about this, we've been planning for this,” Sotto said.
“And now, we see how the innovation will be used to help clean up our rivers,” he added.
The mayor also said that the project highlights the importance of continuous innovation in working toward cleaner rivers, better waterways, and a healthier environment for the people.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joins MMDA Chairman Romando Artes (center), ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries (right of MMDA Chairman), and city officials during the launch of “Clearbot,” a solar-powered and AI-enabled robotic vessel that clears floating waste and water hyacinth from the Pasig River. (Photo from Pasig Councilor Angelu De Leon)
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joins MMDA Chairman Romando Artes (center), ADB Country Director Andrew Jeffries (right of MMDA Chairman), and city officials during the launch of “Clearbot,” a solar-powered and AI-enabled robotic vessel that clears floating waste and water hyacinth from the Pasig River. (Photo from Pasig Councilor Angelu De Leon)
ADB Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries explained the event, saying, “This particular launch is part of a broader story of the rejuvenating Pasig River for a liveable Manila initiative, which is ADB’s holistic support for the Philippine government’s flagship, Pasig River Urban Development project.”
“Making these waterways cleaner and safer for the people that live among them… is what this launch is all about,” he added.
“These innovations strengthen our effort to modernize our river cleanup. Technology integration is the way forward as the future of riverine waste collection,” MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.
The ADB said the Clearbot is solar-powered. It is part of the Bayanihan sa Estero program, which aims to keep the city’s waterways clean and orderly.

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metro news Pasig city mayor vico sotto Mmda ADB Pasig River
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