Pasig River Ferry temporarily suspends operation due to high volume of water hyacinth

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday temporarily suspended the operations of the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) due to the high volume of water hyacinths along the waterway.

In an advisory on its Facebook page, the PRFS said it is suspending its operations due to "navigability constraints" caused by the invasive floating aquatic plant.

"For the safety of the riding public, the PRFS will resume normal operations as soon as the Pasig River becomes passable," it said.

The PRFS ensured regular clean-up activities are being conducted to clear the Pasig River of water hyacinths and other floating garbage.

During rainy season, water hyacinths chokes long stretches of the Pasig River crossing several cities in the metropolis before emptying into the Manila Bay.

A thick cover of water hyacinth poses a problem to small vessels using the river as the plants hamper navigation, and their stems and leaves get entangled in propellers, causing stalling.—AOL, GMA News