The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Friday to institutionalize collaboration in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and its surrounding communities.

The MMDA and DENR-NCR will focus on public education and the promotion of sustainable transport.

The two agencies' collaborative projects include Dalaw Turo and Pasig River Educational Tours. These communication, education, and public awareness initiatives aim to promote the MMDA-operated Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) as a viable transport option, raise awareness of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program, and engage various stakeholders in support of its goals.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, in a message read by Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr., said the MOA with DENR-NCR is relevant, timely, and in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” initiative to bring back the river to its old pristine glory.

“We thank the DENR-NCR in this initiative to strengthen our joint efforts in taking care, beautifying, and reviving the river which is a reflection and a witness to the vibrant history of our nation,” Artes said.“It is important to rehabilitate Ilog Pasig and widen its potential as a sustainable urban transport system and tourism asset for the metropolis,” the Chairman emphasized.

San Juan noted that the MMDA is constantly undertaking initiatives to beautify, broaden, and improve the ferry service to accommodate more passengers. In 2024, the PRFS recorded 195,789 total ridership – a testament to continued patronage of the sole water-based transportation service in NCR.

DENR-NCR OIC Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Erlinda Daquigan described the agreement as a “pivotal step in our efforts to restore the ecological integrity of the Pasig River System and to promote sustainable urban mobility throughout Metro Manila.”

“Through this collaboration, we aim to harmonize environmental education and public engagement with sustainable transport solutions. Initiatives such as the Pasig River Educational Tours and community cleanup drives will help bridge awareness and action – empowering citizens to take part in the larger effort to revitalize the river,” Daquigan said.

She thanked San Juan and MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes for their support and active involvement, which will greatly help in rekindling public trust in the river’s potential as a thriving ecosystem – from a forgotten waterway to a beacon of integrated urban renewal.

Both agencies shall outline their identified programs, activities, and projects as potential areas of collaboration. Technical and administrative support necessary for implementing these initiatives will be provided jointly by MMDA and DENR-NCR.

The MOA also covers the rehabilitation and sustainable development of Manila Bay and other environmental and natural resources initiatives across the NCR.