By Kenneth Marcos 
On a quiet morning, the sun rises over the Pasig River — once a proud lifeline of Metro Manila, now struggling under decades of pollution. But this Saturday, September 20, thousands of volunteers are expected to gather along its banks, united by a shared mission: to bring life back to the river that once gave life to the city.
In line with the global observance of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) is leading a large-scale cleanup of the Pasig River and other vital waterways across Metro Manila.
The event is open to the public, with organizers calling on individuals, families, community groups, and private companies to take part. Registration details are available on the official DENR-NCR social media pages.
A River of History, A River in Peril
The Pasig River holds deep cultural and economic significance for the Philippines. It once served as a major transport route and source of livelihood, connecting Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. But as urbanization grew, so did pollution — turning the river into one of the most polluted waterways in Southeast Asia.
In recent years, various government and private sector efforts have sought to restore the river’s health, but challenges remain. According to DENR-NCR, illegal dumping, plastic waste, and untreated wastewater continue to threaten the river’s ecosystem.
“This is not just a cleanup activity. This is a movement. We are calling on every Filipino to take part in protecting our environment, starting with our own communities,” said a DENR-NCR official.
Why the Cleanup Matters
International Coastal Cleanup Day is the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean and waterway health. Held every third Saturday of September, it brings together millions of people across more than 100 countries. In the Philippines, the activity has grown into a nationwide environmental campaign.
This year’s theme, “Nurturing Cities for a Sustainable Future,” highlights the role of urban communities in restoring nature. The DENR hopes that through this event, more Filipinos will realize the importance of proper waste disposal, river rehabilitation, and active environmental participation.
In 2024, over 200,000 kilos of garbage were collected during the cleanup events in Metro Manila alone, including plastics, household waste, and even broken appliances.
How to Join
Participants can register through the DENR-NCR’s pinned post on Facebook. Volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing, bring reusable water bottles, and use eco-friendly tools. Safety gear and guidance will be provided on-site.
Multiple cleanup points have been identified along the Pasig River and nearby esteros. Partner LGUs and barangays will help coordinate volunteer teams in their areas.
A Call to Protect Our Waterways
Environmental groups emphasize that cleanup drives are only the beginning. Long-term solutions — such as proper waste management, community education, and stricter enforcement of environmental laws — are key to preventing further damage.
“The Pasig River is a reflection of our collective actions. If we can pollute it together, we can clean it together, too,” said a volunteer from a youth environmental group.
As the countdown begins, organizers are hopeful that more Filipinos will stand up for the country’s rivers, coasts, and oceans — not just on September 20, but every day.
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