THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office (PRCMO) has removed a total of 1.6 million kilograms of mixed solid waste and water hyacinth from the Pasig River and its tributaries from January to May 15 this year.
The DENR said the PRCMO is eyeing to further improve clean-up and monitoring capabilities with the delivery of one trash boat within the month and the procurement of additional trash boat and patrol boats for next year to cover more areas.
Currently, the PRCMO’s clean-up operations cover priority areas: the main Pasig River’s portions from Del Pan Bridge, Tondo, Manila to the San Juan River confluence in Sta. Ana, Manila; San Juan River; 25 minor tributaries such as esteros and creeks in Manila and Quezon City; and the two priority areas of Baseco and Parola, Tondo at the Pasig River’s mouth at Manila Bay.
Engineering interventions such as trash barriers are also installed in these priority areas for easier and efficient collection.
The PRCMO also works together with the Philippine Coast Guard for the conduct of daily joint clean-up along the Pasig River’s portions situated in the Malacañang Restricted Area, as well as with other national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and the private sector for multi-sector clean-up activities and community clean-up drives.
The PRCMO also continuously monitors the Pasig River’s 47 minor tributaries and three major tributaries, namely, the Marikina, San Juan and Taguig-Pateros rivers.
The agency also coordinates with other NGAs and the LGUs along the Pasig River system such as the cities of Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and the municipality of Pateros with their respective barangays, to harmonize efforts and facilitate dialogues with communities to address waste management concerns.
