BALANGA CITY, Bataan — What was once a clogged and congested stretch of the Talisay River — blocked by informal settlers and waste — has now become a thriving 290-meter green space, thanks to a rehabilitation initiative led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The river, which flows between Barangays Talisay and Bagumbayan, used to struggle with poor water flow due to encroachments and pollution. But through the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program, the area has been completely transformed — not just physically, but in its value to the community.

Now, what stands in place of debris and obstructions is a peaceful riverside park complete with concrete benches, solar lights, and lush landscaping that includes carabao grass, Thai bamboo, golden Becha palm trees, and imported yucca. The project is part of a broader effort to recover legal easement areas and turn them into accessible green zones for public use.

To implement the project successfully, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Dinalupihan focused on three key result areas. First, under Liquid Waste Management, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conducts regular monitoring of the Talisay River to ensure that water quality complies with environmental standards. Second, in the area of Solid Waste Management, 13 trash traps were strategically installed along the river and are maintained by local “River Rangers” to prevent waste from flowing downstream. Lastly, under Informal Settler Families Management, a total of 216 informal settler families from Barangays Bagumbayan and Talisay were relocated to a housing project in Barangay Tenejero in June 2023, through the efforts of the Balanga City Government.

Additional improvements to the park include the installation of a bamboo gate, perimeter fence, potted flowering plants, waste bins, and various informational and educational signage to promote environmental awareness among visitors.

According to CENRO Dinalupihan, Phase 2 of the project is currently in the works, with the final design being prepared by the City Engineering Office. This next stage aims to enhance accessibility, safety, and environmental sustainability even further.

DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph C. Pablo emphasized that the success of the project underscores the department’s commitment to inclusive and transformative environmental action. To preserve the area and the gains made, DENR, in coordination with the City Government of Balanga, continues to conduct regular monitoring and patrolling of the site to ensure the green space remains a lasting symbol of community effort and environmental stewardship.