Flowing through the heart of Manila, what stories does this waterway hold? The Pasig River stretches 26 kilometers. It connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay.
Once upon a time a giant snake made a deal. It offered to create a river for traders. This river would stretch from Laguna Bay to Manila Bay. The price was steep. The snake wanted the traders’ souls when they died. Another story tells of Virgilio. His boat capsized. He yelled “Paz, sigue me”. He called to his sweetheart, Paz. All that could be heard was “Paz, sig”. People then called the river “Pasig”.
The Pasig River played a key role. It was important to the history of Manila. Intramuros sits near the river’s mouth. Malacañang Palace stands on its northern bank. The river’s tributaries include the Marikina and San Juan rivers.
The Pasig River was integral. It was vital to Manila’s economic activity. It provided a major means of transport. The Pasig was a source of life. People drank its water. They washed clothes on its banks.
After World War II things changed. Construction and population growth took their toll. Industrialization diminished the river’s importance. The Pasig River became a sewer. It was a dumping ground for waste. Factories and squatters lined its banks.
By the 1970s the pollution was intense. The stink became unbearable. Fishing stopped in the 1980s. By the 1990s, the Pasig River was biologically dead. The waters turned dark and murky. Instead of fish, garbage thrived. High levels of coliform bacteria were present.
The government started efforts to revive the river. This happened in the early 1990s. Former First Lady Ming Ramos spearheaded the Clean and Green Foundation. Campaigns like Sagip Pasig were launched. “Piso Para sa Pasig” also began.
Untreated chemical wastes contributed to the pollution. Filthy conditions in slum areas worsened the problem. Residents threw “flying toilets” into the water. These were plastic bags containing human waste.
Reviving the Pasig River is a long process. It is a difficult task. The Thames River in England offers hope. It was once heavily polluted. Efforts to save the Thames took over 150 years. Fish eventually returned to the river.
The “Piso Para sa Pasig” project was turned over to Gina Lopez. She represented ABS-CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan. Gina aimed to revive the water. She wanted it sustainable for fish. She wanted it suitable for fishing and recreation.
The “Kapit Bisig sa Ilog Pasig” project began. It employed a multi-pronged approach. This included relocating squatters. There were 10000 families in 407 communities. These communities contributed to the pollution.
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission won an award in 2018. It was the first Asia Riverprize. This recognized efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River. Aquatic life has returned to the river.
Today the Pasig River shows signs of recovery. Challenges remain. The river’s story is one of neglect. It is also a story of potential renewal. The Pasig River is intertwined with Manila’s history. Its future depends on continued efforts. These efforts require cooperation. They need commitment from everyone.