Pasig River Commission to compete for Asia Riverprize contest

The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) announced on Sunday that it would be competing against the managers of China's Yangtze River in the 2018 Asia Riverprize of the International River Foundation (IRF), which will be held this October in Sydney, Australia.

According to PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio Goitia, this was the commission's second attempt to earn the international prize.

"Last year, the Philippines is the only third world and developing country that made it into the international finals and bravely competed with the US and the United Kingdom. In this year's Asia Riverprize, we will be facing the red dragon, China," said Goitia.

The PRRC clarified that the competition was not meant to determine which river was cleaner and more beautiful. Raher, the IRF recognizes organizations that are creating a difference through effective river basin restoration and management programs.

The commission pointed out that conditions on the Pasig River has "significantly improved."

"Although the Pasig River development is a work in progress, many areas along the historic river have already shown signs of aquatic life and it has already become conducive for transport, recreation, and tourism," the PRRC said.

The winner of the said contest will automatically qualify for Stage 2 of the Theiss International Riverprize in 2019.

In 2017, the PRRC was the runner-up to the San Antonio River in Texas during the Thiess international Riverprize contest. — Anna Felicia Bajo/DVM, GMA News