Marcos forms Pasig River rehabilitation inter-agency council

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. formed the “Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development” as part of the government’s response to the urgent need to rehabilitate and enhance the quality of life along the Pasig River.

According to the Presidential Communications Office, the council was formed through Executive Order (EO) No. 35, issued on July 25 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The EO stated that the inter-agency council would be responsible for facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems.

The inter-agency council will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), vice-chaired by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman, with 13 member agencies such as the DPWH, DENR, DILG, DOT, DOTr, DOF, DBM, NHCP, NCCA, PPA, PCG, LLDA, and TIEZA.

Aside from facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the Pasig River, the council would also formulate a Pasig River Urban Development Plan and implement a coordinated and integrated rehabilitation of the Pasig Riverbanks system and nearby water systems.

It was also tasked to ensure that easements provided under RA 386 (Civil Code of the Philippines) and other relevant laws were followed; study, prepare and implement a comprehensive shelter plan for relocation of informal settlers; and accept grants or any assistance from local and foreign sources subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

The council would also work closely with national government agencies and local government units to review the existing Presidential issuances related to the rehabilitation and development of the Pasig River, and recommend to the Office of the President the repeal or amendment of these issuances.

The council would also submit a quarterly report on the implementation of the EO. — DVM, GMA Integrated news