Might the story of a river surprise you? The San Juan River quietly flows through the heart of Metro Manila. It is a vital waterway often overlooked. I will tell you a story. It’s a story of transitions and transformations.
The San Juan River begins its journey near La Mesa Dam. There it is known as the San Francisco del Monte River. The river officially becomes the San Juan River when it meets Mariblo Creek in Quezon City. It snakes its way through several cities. These include Quezon City and San Juan. It also flows through the Manila districts of Santa Mesa and Santa Ana. Finally, it reaches Mandaluyong.
The San Juan River is a major tributary. It flows into the Pasig River. The San Juan River is 22.2 kilometers long. This river system plays a crucial role in Metro Manila’s geography.
The river has several tributaries that feed into it. Buhangin Creek is the closest to the Pasig River confluence. Maytunas Creek has its mouth near Sevilla Bridge. Salapán Creek is near Aurora Boulevard. Diliman Creek joins the San Juan River near St Luke’s Medical Center. Mariblo Creek merges with the San Francisco River. Together they form the San Juan River.
Upstream from the Mariblo confluence, the river is the San Francisco del Monte River. This section splits into the Dario Creek and Pasong Tamó River. Culiát Creek flows into the Pasong Tamó River.
Several bridges span the San Juan River. Nine bridges mark the borders of Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, and Manila. The LRT Line 2 is the only rail bridge that crosses the river.
Traveling along the San Juan River you will find these bridges. Quezon Avenue Bridge is in Quezon City. Kaliraya Bridge carries Kaliraya Road. Marilao Bridge carries E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue. Lambingan Bridge carries Aurora Boulevard. The San Juan-Santa Mesa Bridge carries Araneta Avenue. The San Juan River Bridge connects N. Domingo Street and Old Sta Mesa Street. Sevilla Bridge connects P. Sanchez Street and Shaw Boulevard. Lubiran Bridge connects Lubiran Street and Rev. Aglipay Street.
Two future rail bridges of the Metro Rail Transit will cross the San Juan River. MRT-4 will parallel Sevilla Bridge. MRT-8 will be along Quezon Avenue.
The Skyway Stage 3 was realigned due to right-of-way issues. It now follows the San Juan River’s course. It runs from Araneta Avenue to the Pasig River. A pedestrian suspension bridge once crossed the river. It was demolished for the Skyway Stage 3 construction.
Sadly the San Juan River faces significant pollution. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate this important waterway. Environmental consciousness is needed. It is needed from government agencies, NGOs, and citizens.
So as you stand here, remember the San Juan River. It is more than just a river. It’s a story of Manila’s past, present, and future. It is a reminder of our responsibility to protect our natural resources.