Nancy Binay backs ClearBot tech as ‘game-changer’ for Pasig River cleanup

Makati Mayor Nancy Binay highlighted the importance of technology-driven environmental solutions as she joined the “Innovation and Culture: ClearBot River Cleanup Showcase” on 25 November 2025 at the Alveo Showroom in Circuit Makati and the Manila Boat Club in Sta. Ana.

The initiative features ClearBot, an AI-powered autonomous vessel designed to collect solid waste from waterways, and is being positioned as a new tool in the effort to rehabilitate the Pasig River and other urban waterways.

Calling the technology “a game-changer” in river cleanup operations, Mayor Binay pledged Makati’s full support for the program.

“Sa amin po sa Lungsod ng Makati, you can rest assured that we will support this initiative,” she said in her closing remarks, stressing that Makati’s long-term vision for a progressive and sustainable city aligns with the adoption of innovative environmental solutions like ClearBot.

The mayor also thanked the project partners — Ayala Foundation Inc., the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and ClearBot — for collaborating toward a shared goal of cleaner waterways.

The event opened with a welcome message from Ayala Foundation President Tony Lambino, followed by remarks from ADB’s Senior Director for the Water and Urban Development Sector Office, Norio Saito. Clear Robotics (ClearBot) CEO and founder Sidhant Gupta presented a briefing on the technology and demonstrated how the vessels autonomously collect floating trash and store data useful for long-term cleanup planning.

Also in attendance were Ayala Foundation Chair Fernando Zobel de Ayala, AC Mobility CEO and Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, and Christine Chan of the Asian Development Bank.

The showcase forms part of ongoing multi-sector efforts to accelerate Philippine waterway rehabilitation through smart technologies, public-private partnerships, and data-driven environmental management systems.