PRRC to seek more funds for Pasig River rehab after winning Asia Riverprize

After international recognition for its work, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) intends to become more aggressive in seeking additional funds from the national government for the river's continued improvement. 

"Syempre, mas kukulit kami sa pagre-request. Mas lalakihan na namin 'yung request namin,” PRRC Executive Director Goitia Jose Antonio Goitia said during a press conference on Wednesday.

The Pasig River this month was named the first winner of the Asia Riverprize award, given by the International River Foundation (IRF) to recognize organizations that work on the rehabilitation of rivers and the implementation of a river basin management.

PRRC has proposed a 15-year rehabilitation master plan with a projected cost of P50 billion.

Goitia said the annual budget given to the commission, since the time of former president Benigno “Noynoy“ Aquino III, has been from P100 million to P200 million.

"Noong 1999, nasa billion [ang budget] pero na-slash siya noong time ni Noynoy…Noong time ni [Gloria Macapagal Arroyo] billions pa e,” he said.

“Sana kung maibabalik ulit sa ganun, marami kaming magagawa sa Pasig River,” Goitia added.

Two photos supplied by the PRRC showing a section of the river before rehabilitation (above) and after (below).

Goitia said that the commission will also apply for international grants to be able to continue its award-winning efforts.

“Katulad nito, kaya naman pala ng Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission e. Ba't hindi kami bigyan pa ng suportang financial o manpower,” Giotia said.

In 1990s, the Pasig River was declared "biologically dead," but is now showing signs of biodiversity thanks to efforts that include "delivering quality projects, programs, activities, and advocacies in easement recovery, riverbank development, waste and water quality management, and public awareness," the International RiverFoundation said on its website.

"From 1999 to 2017, PRRC have resettled 18,719 families living along the riverbanks to decent homes, dismantled 376 encroaching private structures, established 37,471.68 linear meters of environmental preservation areas, developed 17 of its 47 identified tributaries, diverted almost 22,000 kilograms of solid waste, and transformed communities into environmentally responsible citizens. This has resulted in significant water quality improvement, as well as the revitalization and development of the Pasig River system," it added.

PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio Gotio (in white) holds the 2018 Asia RiverPrize award trophy while a colleague holds the 2017 International RiverPrize runner-up award trophy. Photo: Joviland Rita

The PRRC believes that it won the award specifically for the resettlement of the families along the river and the reduction of fecal coliform bacteria traces in the river through sewage treatment facilities.

“Hindi naman kasi importante yung pera. Mas importante yung distinction nito, yung pride na binigay sa Pilipinas ng Pasig River at ng Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission," Goitia said. — BM, GMA News