By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the morning sun, dozens of workers, volunteers, and government staff gathered along the banks of the Pasig River this week—sweeping, clearing trash, and hauling debris. Their shared goal: to bring new life to Manila’s iconic river as part of the Pasig River Esplanade’s continuous development.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), through its Pasig River Coordinating and Management Office (PRCMO), led the inter-agency cleanup drive to support ongoing improvements to the Esplanade project. The activity followed the recent opening of the Phase IV extension, which adds new walkways and green spaces designed to make the area more accessible and enjoyable for the public.
The cleanup was joined by representatives from local government units, partner agencies, and community organizations. Together, they collected piles of waste, unclogged drainage areas, and trimmed overgrown plants to maintain the riverbanks’ cleanliness and safety.
According to DENR-NCR, the activity is part of its continuing effort to restore the Pasig River ecosystem and to promote environmental awareness among residents living near the waterway. The agency emphasized that sustaining the Esplanade’s progress requires both government action and active citizen participation.
The Pasig River Esplanade, which stretches through several cities in Metro Manila, aims to transform the once heavily polluted river into a clean, vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly public space. The project also supports the government’s broader goal of nurturing greener, more livable cities under the “Build Better More” infrastructure initiative.
Over the years, cleanup and rehabilitation programs have shown signs of progress. Water quality in some parts of the Pasig River has gradually improved, and fish have begun returning to sections that were once considered biologically dead. However, DENR officials admit that maintaining these gains remains a major challenge, especially with persistent waste disposal and urban runoff problems.
Community residents who witnessed the cleanup expressed appreciation for the ongoing efforts. “It’s nice to see the government and volunteers working together. We hope everyone continues to take care of the river,” said one vendor who lives near the area.
The DENR urged the public to support the project by properly disposing of waste, joining cleanup drives, and promoting sustainable practices in their neighborhoods. “Protecting our rivers means protecting our future,” the agency said in a statement.
The Pasig River, once a symbol of neglect, is now being reshaped into a model of urban renewal and environmental stewardship—proof that with cooperation and commitment, even a polluted river can flow back to life.
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