Pasig River rehab pact inked

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) formalized an agreement Friday to boost the rehabilitation of the Pasig River and its surrounding communities.

The memorandum of agreement (MoA) will focus on public education and promoting sustainable transport, particularly through collaborative projects like “Dalaw Turo” and Pasig River Educational Tours.

These initiatives aim to promote the MMDA-operated Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) as a viable transport option, raise awareness about the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program, and engage various stakeholders.

MMDA chairperson Don Artes, in a message read by Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr., highlighted the MoA’s relevance and timeliness, aligning it with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” initiative to restore 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.

He also stressed the importance of rehabilitating “Ilog Pasig” to expand its potential as a sustainable urban transport system and tourism asset.

San Juan said that the MMDA is continuously working to beautify, broaden, and improve the ferry service to accommodate more passengers. In 2024, the PRFS recorded 195,789 total ridership, demonstrating continued public use of the capital region’s sole water-based transportation service.

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.