The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has removed 1,603,530 kilograms of solid waste and water hyacinth from the Pasig River and its tributaries from January to mid-May this year.
This, the agency said, equals 53,451 sacks of solid wastes and water hyacinths from the Pasig River system.
According to the DENR, the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office (PRCMO) regularly deploys 163 environmental aides or river warriors to help keep the Pasig River system free from solid wastes and other floating debris through daily clean-up operations using three trash boats.
The PRCMO looks to further improve clean-up and monitoring capabilities with the delivery of one trash boat within the month and the procurement of another trash and patrol boats next year to cover more areas.
The PRCMO clean-up operations cover priority areas including the main portions from the Del Pan Bridge in Tondo, Manila to the San Juan River confluence in Sta. Ana, Manila, the San Juan River, the 25 tributary esteros and creeks in Manila and Quezon City, and the priority areas of Baseco and Parola at the mouth of the Pasig River.
DENR said engineering interventions such as trash barriers have been installed in priority areas for easier and efficient collection.
The PRCMO also works with the Philippine Coast Guard in the daily joint clean-up along the Malacañang Restricted Area, and with other national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and the private sector.
The PRCMO continuously monitors not only the river’s minor tributaries but also its major tributaries as the Marikina, San Juan and Taguig-Pateros rivers.
The agency coordinates with the NGAs and LGUs along the river system to harmonize efforts and facilitate dialogues with the communities to address waste management concerns.
