The announcement of First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine government and the UAE-based nonprofit Clean Rivers to rehabilitate the Pasig River is good news that should be shared to strengthen awareness on the significance of the 27-kilometer waterway traversing Metro Manila.
The partnership with Clean Rivers, an initiative under the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, is bolstered by a $20 million donation from the UAE. It focuses on both preventative and corrective measures to rehabilitate the Pasig River while creating socio-economic opportunities for local communities.
The Pasig River has long been a symbol of the Philippines’ rich cultural and economic heritage. Over the decades, however, it suffered from neglect and pollution, leading to its declaration as biologically dead in the 1990s. Recent revitalization efforts, spearheaded by First Lady in collaboration with international partners, aim to restore the river’s former glory.
The revitalization initiative, named “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli,” was launched in 2023 with the formation of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development. This council convenes various government agencies to devise strategies for the river’s rehabilitation. One of the project’s notable achievements is the construction of the Pasig River Esplanade, a promenade designed to provide recreational spaces for the public.
In January 2024, President Marcos inaugurated the initial phase of this esplanade, featuring a 500-meter stretch behind the Manila Central Post Office. This development includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, commercial zones, and green spaces, with amenities such as leasable stalls for food and retail, walkways, bike lanes, and a boardwalk. By June 2024, Phase 1C was completed, adding a 250-meter extension that connects the existing esplanade from Jones Bridge to Plaza Mexico and Fort Santiago in Intramuros.
Beyond aesthetics, the revitalization of the Pasig River is vital for Metro Manila’s environmental sustainability, flood control, transportation, and economic growth. Historically, the river served as a major transportation route and a source of livelihood for many residents. However, post-World War II industrialization and rapid urbanization led to severe pollution, with factories and informal settlements contributing to its decline.
Efforts to rehabilitate the river have been ongoing for decades. In 1999, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) was established to oversee cleanup operations. Initiatives such as deploying “river warriors” to patrol for polluters, clean the river and its tributaries, and plant vegetation along the banks led to significant improvements. In 2018, the PRRC won the first Asia Riverprize in recognition of its rehabilitation work.
The current revitalization project builds upon these past efforts, with a renewed focus on sustainable urban development and community engagement. The collaboration with international partners like the UAE underscores the global significance of environmental conservation and the shared responsibility in addressing ecological challenges.
The government cannot achieve this ambitious project alone. It requires the active participation of citizens and the private sector. There are many ways to help starting with proper waste disposal to ensure that garbage, sewage, and industrial waste do not end up in the river.
Private companies can support cleanup drives, fund eco-friendly projects, or adopt portions of the river for maintenance and development. Many successful urban river rehabilitation projects worldwide have thrived due to public-private partnerships.
The Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project serves as a reminder that revitalizing our environment is not just about restoring a waterway but about reclaiming national pride, strengthening community bonds, and ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.