By Kenneth Marcos 
On a humid morning in Navotas City, community leaders and government officials gathered near the river that many families depend on for daily life and livelihood. For years, the Navotas River has suffered from pollution and poor waste management. Now, a new plan aims to give it a cleaner and safer future.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Metropolitan Environmental Office–North joined an inter-agency coordination meeting to present a finalized Action Plan and discuss the creation of the Navotas River Management Council. The meeting was held in Barangay Sipac-Almacen, Navotas City, under the government’s Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program (AEWBP).
The activity was organized by the Environmental Management Bureau–National Capital Region as part of the formal participation of Therma Mobile Inc. (TMI) in the AEWBP. The program encourages partnerships between government agencies, local governments, and private companies to rehabilitate rivers, esteros, and other water bodies.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from the Navotas City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Department of Science and Technology. The wide participation highlighted the need for strong coordination to address long-standing problems affecting the river.
During the discussion, officials presented a comprehensive Action Plan focused on improving water quality and managing waste along the Navotas River. A key proposal is the establishment of the Navotas River Management Council, which will serve as the main body to guide, monitor, and sustain river rehabilitation efforts.
The Action Plan includes regular cleanup drives to remove trash and debris, as well as programs on waste recycling and composting. Barangays along the river will play a major role through stronger solid waste management and community-based activities. Educational efforts such as Dalaw-Turo will also be conducted to teach residents about proper waste disposal and environmental protection.
Participants also discussed the proposal to sign a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement. The long-term agreement is meant to ensure continuity of programs beyond changes in leadership and to make sure that river rehabilitation efforts are sustained over time.
Therma Mobile Inc. said its involvement is focused on supporting the sustainable rehabilitation of the Navotas River, protecting the environment, and strengthening cooperation with government agencies and local communities. The company stressed that private sector participation is vital in addressing environmental challenges that affect public health and livelihoods.
DENR MEO–North Officer-in-Charge Director Glenn Alvin S. Gustilo emphasized the importance of empowering communities. He said real and lasting change can only happen when residents understand the value of clean waterways and actively take part in protecting them. According to him, barangays are at the front line of river protection because they see the daily impact of pollution and flooding.
The DENR MEO–North believes that forming the Navotas River Management Council is a major step toward stronger inter-agency coordination. With clear roles and shared responsibility, the council is expected to improve the effectiveness of cleanup efforts and ensure that programs are implemented in a sustainable way.
The rehabilitation of the Navotas River is also seen as part of the wider effort to protect Manila Bay. Cleaner rivers mean less waste flowing into the bay, helping improve marine life and reducing risks to fishing communities and coastal residents.
As plans move from paper to action, officials and partners are calling on communities to stay involved and vigilant. Protecting the Navotas River is not just a government task but a shared responsibility that can bring long-term benefits to families across Metro Manila.
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