P293 M allocated for Pasig River cleanup

MANILA, Philippines - The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) will allocate P293 million to clean up the river’s six tributaries within the year.

This developed as heads of concerned agencies yesterday signed a commitment aimed at improving the condition of the Pasig River.

The signatories include Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos and PRRC chairperson Gina Lopez.

The agencies were united in the belief that, “cleaning, restoring and sustaining the water quality and environs of Pasig River, which is the main artery of commerce in the country will have reverberations throughout the entire archipelago.”

Lopez said it is good news that the Pasig River has showed significant improvement from its critical condition before.

Richard Peñaflor, PRRC executive director for operations, said at least 4,000 families living in Estero de Paco have been relocated in Calauan, Laguna.

“Our focus in now on families living along the six tributaries to be among those relocated within the year,” he said.