PASIG RIVER REHABILITATION

Question #1: How does the DENR help in the rehabilitation of the Pasig River (particularly through the
Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig “KBPIP” programme and its projects)?

Answer: KBPIP or Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig is a project of ABS CBN Foundation, Inc. in coordination
With the DENR or the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the PRRC or the
Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.

Brief History of the concept of the Pasig River system rehabilitation;

1973: the Pasig River Development Council was created to manage the Pasig River system ,
,this lasted until 1986.

1999: River management was revived through the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program
(PRRP) under DENR to embark into a 10-15 year program to rehabilitate the
River system.

The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) was created by virtue of EO No. 54 as
amended by EO No.65 to approve, plan, supervise, monitor, coordinate and implement
programs and projects towards the rehabilitation of Pasig River system. This is composed
of representatives from various government, non-government and private agencies
organized into Technical Working Committees.

2006: PRRC chairmanship was passed to the DENR and co chaired by the MMDA.

The River system is composed of major and minor tributaries, streams, drainage canals or “esteros”
Rehabilitation and development of “esteros” started in 2010. Thus, the KBPIP was conceived and
The first project was “Estero de Paco”. Afterwards this was followed by several development
Projects like; Estero de Concordia, Estero de San Sebastian, Estero de Aviles, Estero de Balete,
Estero de Sampaloc and many others.

Since the KBPIP is done in coordination with the DENR and the PRRC which is also chaired by the
DENR, a lot has been done by the said agency to help the KBPIP program. The DENR provided
Monitoring through its line agency , the Environmental Management Bureau to implement the
“Water Quality Unified Monitoring Systems in coordination with the Laguna Lake Development
Authority (LLDA).

The DENR has implemented its “Greening project” which enabled the planting of trees along the
Sides of the esteros. This is in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Metro Manila.

The DENR has also help in conceptualizing many Pasig River rehabilitation projects like the “ Linis-
Ganda Project”, the Piso Para sa Pasig project” and the “Sagip Pasig Movement”.

Until now, the DENR is working in close coordination with the different agencies and groups to
Ensure full compliance in the standards set forth for the Type C water quality of Pasig River. This
Is part of the Clean Water Act and also implementing the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
Or RA 9003. This is to alleviate garbage dumping to esteros which pollutes the receiving stream
Which is the Pasig River system.
Question # 2: What efforts have been made by the DENR ( funding, sponsorships, advertising)To help the KBPIP or
Pasig River? How has these efforts impacted the cleaning /condition of the Pasig River?

Answer: As mentioned earlier, there are many efforts being done by the DENR to help the KBPIP project
And to the Pasig River System as well. International grants coming from financial institutions like
the Asian Development Bank or ADB to give funds for the rehabilitation of esteros and the
Pasig River system . Sponsorhips like the “Adopt an Estero” project by the DENR wherein certain
Groups will undertake a Memorandum of Undertaking with the DENR to monitor and support that
Particular “estero”. Also, may manufacturers have extended their support to the programs by
Sponsoring some items in the rehabilitation process like manpower, machineries and monitoring
Equipments. Advertising is part of the “Information and Advocacy” project of the DENR. The
Agency has undergone several steps like updating of detailed communication materials; Maximum
Media Mileage and networking.

These efforts has greatly impacted the rehabilitation process of the Pasig River System. First, there is
A substantial lowering of the BOD contained in the water itself. Environmental Preservation Areas
(EPAs) are developed into linear parks, walkway sand promenades along the Pasig River system.
The garbage dumpling is substantially minimized due to the resettlement of nearly 4,000 families
occupying danger zones along Pasig River.

Question # 3: What are the other ways that the DENR and other organizations, social groups can help in the
Rehabilitation of Pasig River system.?

Answer: As mentioned before, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission which is chaired by the
DENR with members from the government, non government and business /private group is the
conduit to which the Pasig River Rehabilitation program will be implemented. The DENR through
the EMB should provide a regular and quality monitoring of different strategic locations within
the cities of Metro Manila. The strict policies set forth in the Clean Water Act souls be implemented
with full force.

The business group can facilitate donations for cleaning the Pasig River system. They should also
Check their manufacturing process if is operating normally without emissions that may harm the
Normal condition of an existing environment.

The non government agencies that are groups of different people from all walks of life could come
Out of an idea on how to sustain, save in order to alleviate the continuous pollution on the
Pasig River system. Huge media outfits like the ABS-CBN and the GMA Network should work
Hand in hand in promoting care for the Pasig River system. They can help by providing funds in the
Purchase of new equipment to be used in the quality monitoring process.