What would it take to bring the Pasig River, which had become known to be one of the most polluted in the world, back to life? The government began efforts to do so with the creation of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in 1999.
Nineteen years later, the Commission was awarded the first Asia Riverprize, one of its achievements being the return of aquatic life to the river.
The 27-kilometer stretch of Pasig, spanning from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, has become a vital artery for commerce and transport. But much, much more needs to be done to make it a Filipino showcase.
What could become a game-changer is the agreement signed in Dubai last month between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates thru DENR Secretary Toni Yulo Loyzaga and Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Managing Director at Clean Rivers.
A global non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming river systems into catalysts for sustainable development and a portfolio entity under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, Clean Rivers committed up to US$20 million to initiatives that enhance the quality of life for communities that depend on the river, support circular economy-led solutions to prevent waste leakage, and restore the Pasig River.
“As a living part of our nation’s history and future, the rehabilitation of the Pasig River is a vital development priority in line with our broader goals to support environmental integrity, economic resilience and inclusive growth. This MoU with the UAE represents a milestone in our collective efforts to restore this significant waterway, protect nature and enhance the lives of communities who depend on it,” said Yulo-Loyzaga.
The event was witnessed by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and Saeed Rashid Al Zaabi, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Board Chair of Clean Rivers, on the sidelines of the 2025 World Governments Summit.
