Pasig River Tour, Special Cleanup, Tree Planting and Turnover of Cleaning Equipment Activity

Last Monday, July 18 at 6 a.m., six Manila Rotarians spearheaded by SDG/PLP Hermie Esguerra, DGN Jackie Rodriguez, Dir. Hans Palacios, V-Chair (TREES) Raf Dionisio, Rtn. Ramby Nolido and STAR Rtn. Junjie Vazquez participated in an event together with DENR/PRCMO (Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office) Chief of Environmental Enforcement Division and Club of Manila Archangel Premier PLP Garry Sibal, DENR Assistant Secretary Joan Lagunda, and Rotary District 3810 Phenomenal Governor Joyce Ambray, entitled “PASIG River Tour, Special Cleanup, Tree Planting and Turnover of Cleaning Equipment Activity”.

The event, attended by over 60 participants kicked-off at the PASIG FERRY LAWTON Station where a ferry boat and a Philippine Coast Guard Fast Craft started their cruise up the Pasig River passing the Malacañang Palace and ending in the GUADALUPE FERRY Station. The hour long journey put on display the present state of the Pasig River, showing some of the improvements achieved by the present and past rehab programs, such as the presence of migratory birds along the banks and surrounding trees, the cleaner (trash free) main river flow and the very noticeable clean smell. This inspection, which gives inspiration to continue the rehab project, has proven to us that there is so much hope to restoring the Pasig River to its former glory.

Upon reaching Guadalupe Ferry Station, the group proceeded to Quezon City to Pasong Tamo Creek in Barangay Bahay Toro where a ceremonial Tree Planting Activity was kicked-off after a short program witnessed by the inspection participants, residents of the area, the Barangay Council and the local River Clean-Up Warriors. During the program, cleaning equipment and other items were turned over to the local clean-up warriors who maintain the clean condition of the Pasong Tamo Creek which is a major route that crosses Quezon City, San Juan and into the main Pasig River. This kick-off will be followed soon by other activities in the La Mesa Dam area and Manila Bay Dolomite Beach.