- Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission

Transcription

What‘s in Here
Contents
EDITORIAL
BOARD
PRRC Events and Projects
Editorial Advisor
Regina Paz L. Lopez
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3
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Managing Editor
Ronald A. Naguit, MNSA
Senior Editor
JudeJohn A. Deseo
Helen Arlene P.Quililan
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Editor-in-Chief
Amelita V. Gamay
Associate Editor-in-Chief
Jericho Von I. Miranda
Manolito Boots B. Nicolas
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Associate and Layout Editor
Therese S. Tanquintic
Head Writer
Manolito Boots B. Nicolas
Rehabilitated “Estero de San Miguel” inaugurated
“Ang Halimaw sa Tubig” highlighted the launching of Estero Festival
EMC Action Plan for Solid Waste and Liquid Wastewater Management
Pasig River Unified Monitoring Station (PRUMS) 1st Quarter
A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF THE PHILIPPINES
PRRC’s Team Building and Advocacy-laden Activities
Estero de Sampaloc and Estero de Valencia inaugurated
PRRC holds GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (GAD) SEMINAR-WORKSHOP
Office of the President Tours Pasig River
PRRC holds convention for estero partners in Estero de Paco
Inter-Agency Seminar-Workshop on Enforcement and Paralegal Training for Estero de Paco and Estero de Santibanez
Sir Simon Aguilon
PilipiKNOW Corner
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Sipatin ang mga salita
Palaisipan
Tubig ng Estero
Ang Alamat ng Ilog Pasig
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Official Photographer
Garry G. Ignacio
Contributors
Merliza S. Bonga
Eduardo B. Bornilla Jr.
Lovely Joyce D. Calayag
Josenar F. Caparas
Frelyn Maniebo
Jillian Alexis D. Manlangit
Giovanni B. Mercolesia
Dr. Freddie R. Obligacion
Allan Rorares
Michael C. Rubio
PO2 Jobert A. Sahagun
Lolita Tuanquin
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)
Laguna Lake Development
Authority (LLDA)
Manila Water
National Housing Authority (NHA)
Government Sector Partners
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Greater Public Participation in Environment Protection Urged
1ST Philippine Conference on Vetiver
DPWH pushes for “NO HOMES UNDER BRIDGE”
30,704 Homes for Metro ISFs in 2014
Pasig River Clean-up and Tree Planting Activity Along Pasig River
National Adopt-an-Estero /Water Body Program Assessed
Pasig City’s One Direction Towards a “GREEN CITY”
Private Sector Partners
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DENR-NCR is Manila Water’s newest Toka Toka partner
Gov’t agencies join Manila Water’s Toka Toka campaign
Features
Legal Easements:A Bird’s Eye View
The Green Initiative
Effective Non-Verbal Communication: A Conveyance of Symbolic Expression
How to understand the role of an “Estero Manager“ as a Community Organizer
What is VETIVER GRASS?
Promotion of Truth, Service and Common Good for the People
Photo Release
Seeing Through the Roving Lens: PRRC in Action
Cover Photo:
The photo shows the boat tour of the rehabilitated
Estero de San Miguel with PRRC Chairperson Regina
Paz Lopez, PRRC Exec. Dir. Ronald Naguit and MMDA
Chair Francis Tolentino.
Photo by Gary Ignacio, PRRC
Ilog Natin
Rehabilitated
“Estero de San Miguel”
inaugurated
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), in its mandate
to clean the Pasig River and rehabilitate all the esteros and
waterways that drain into it, inaugurated the rehabilitated Estero
de San Miguel on June 4, 2014.
The event started with the unveiling of the marker followed by a
walkthrough that began at Chino Roces Bridge (formerly Mendiola
Bridge) and subsequently by a boat tour going towards P. Casal
Bridge. PRRC Chairperson Regina Paz Lopez, Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino,
and Ms Earth-Phils. Water Kimberly Covert toured the waterway
via the boat paddled by the members of the Philippine Marines,
followed by two MMDA boats, and a boat manned by the
members of the PRRC River Patrol with members of the Local InterAgency Committee, PRRC partners and tri-media.
A symbolic ribbon-cutting, followed by a short program, highlighted
the event with Chairman Suharto Buleg Jr. of Brgy. 647 San Miguel
Manila welcoming the guests. Chairperson Lopez in her opening
remarks said that “the rehabilitation of Estero de San Miguel brings
the people closer toward the goal of cleaner esteros all throughout
Metro Manila”. MMDA Chairman Tolentino expressed his agency’s
support on all the present and future projects of the Commission.
The inauguration was also witnessed by Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Urban Poor, Informal
Settler Families and Special Concerns Francisco Fernandez;
chairmen of different barangays, representatives from the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); the City
Government of Manila, people’s organizations and PRRC partner
agencies. Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Estero de San Miguel. Photo by Garry
Ignacio,PRRC
PRRC Chair Gina Lopez, Ms.Earth-Phils Water Kimberly Covert and MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino
unveils the marker at Estero de San Miguel. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
MMDA Shair Francis Tolentino expresses support
for PRRC’s estero projects. Photo by Garry
Ignacio, PRRC
The Official Newsletter of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission
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Ilog Natin
“Ang Halimaw sa Tubig”
highlighted the launching of Estero Festival
finally behold the truth before their very eyes and are faced with
its inescapable consequences.
Character actor Miguel Faustmann from Repertory Philippines
directed the play that cast students from Mariano Marcos
Memorial High School, Sta. Ana Elementary School and the River
Warriors from Estero de Paco. Renowned folk singer Joey Ayala
composed the finale song for the play which was written by Eliseo
Garcia Nieto and conceptualized by Javier Coloma Brotons.
Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
PRRC representatives grace the launch of the estero. Photo by Boots B.
Nicolas, PRRC
The global theme for this year’s Earth Day is “Green Cities”, which
focuses on three elements – air, water and soil – to help cities
become more sustainable.
As part of the International Mother Earth Day celebration, Asian
Development Bank (ADB) and Maynilad, in cooperation with
the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) and ABS-CBN
Foundation launched the “Estero Festival” on 22nd of April with the
play,
“Ang Halimaw sa Tubig” (The Monster in the Water) being
the main highlight, at the ADB Auditorium in Pasig City.
The play aims to raise awareness on the importance of sanitation,
wastewater and solid waste management to improve the health
and environmental conditions and uplift the living conditions of the
people living along the Pasig River and its tributaries.
The play evolves in an epidemic which is on the rise. Why people
living along the riverbanks mysteriously getting ill. A young lass
stumbles upon the dark secrets of the river, shrouded beneath the
heaps of domestic garbage and a cloud of oblivion prevails in the
entire community. But when she attempts to unravel this secret, no
one believes her. They believe she is fabricating stories – until they
April - June 2014 | Volume 2 | Issue 2
Maynilad Head for Corporate Quality, Environment, Safety and Health
Division Engr.Francis Arellano expresses their support in advocating waste
water management. Photo by Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
Ilog Natin
EMC Action Plan for Solid Waste and Liquid
Wastewater Management
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, together with the
Environmental Management Committee (EMC) Member
Agencies and concerned Local Government Units, formulated
an action plan for the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations
pertaining to the direct dumping of solid wastes and liquid
wastewater into the Pasig River and its tributaries.
In the 3-day planning workshop held last March 2014 at Clarkfield,
Pampanga, participating Agencies and LGUs discussed and
formulated action plans that aim to address four major point
sources of pollution that cause the continuous degradation of
the Pasig River system, namely: (1) indiscriminate dumping of
solid wastes; (2) discharges of untreated raw wastewater from
the households and small-scale establishments; (3) unidentified
illegal tappings to the drainage canals that directly flow to
Representatives of various Agencies and concerned LGUs during the EMC Planning Workshop
the waterways; and (4) non-compliance of big industrial and
commercial establishments to environmental standards. The action plans consist of baseline identification and data gathering, data
gap analysis, revalidation and finalization of outputs, dissemination and consultation, implementation and monitoring, and evaluation.
As of writing, the action plans are in the data gathering and data gap analysis stage. The PRRC has started the survey of existing outfalls
and conditions in Estero de Sampaloc and Estero de Valencia, as well as the identification of drainage and sewer lines in said areas. A
database of water quality monitoring statistics, accomplishment reports and environmental laws, plans and projects from the different
Agencies and LGUs is also being developed and updated. Other programs, such as installation of garbage traps/garbage conveyor with
boomtraps along waterways, solid waste profiling, construction of septic tanks and interceptors, are in the planning stage.
Among the various initiatives done by the PRRC with regards to the formulation of baseline information, noteworthy is the survey of septic
tanks and sewage of residential, commercial and microbusiness establishments at Estero de Sampaloc and Estero de Valencia using
the ISHER database management system conceptualized by the DENR. The results of the study shall be released by the Environmental
Management Division towards the end of 2014.
Informal Settlers Homes, Establishments and Riverways (ISHER) Survey at Estero de Sampaloc
Point sources of pollution that contribute to the esteros’ current status is the direct discharge wastewater from residential, commercial and
microbusiness establishments. As an intervention, the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) surveyed, assessed and mappedout establishments, identifying those with and without septic tanks or sewage treatment plants that discharge directly into the estero.
The output of the survey was a map of Estero de Sampaloc showing the outfalls and establishments that discharge directly to the estero.
The PRRC survey team coordinated with barangay officials adjacent to Estero de Sampaloc. Survey forms in Filipino for residential
establishments were prepared and distributed to every household along the estero. On the other hand, interviews were conducted in every
commercial establishment. The coordinates of establishments which were found to lack septic tanks or sewage treatment facilities, were
recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) gadget.
There were several problems that were encountered by the team during the survey. There were sceptic and uncooperative residents who were
anxious to give information. But the bigger challenge was the absence of residents to be interviewed in some houses creating information
gaps. Some unfamiliar concepts about septic tanks were clarified and ably discussed. Minor problems such as stray dogs and the slow
stabilization of the GPS coordinates were also encountered.
During the survey, the team frequently encountered various questions pertaining to the program. Primary concern of those establishments
without septic tanks or sewage treatment facility was the cost of tapping to the existing Maynilad Sewer Lines. The team explained the
significance and implications of tapping to the sewer lines compared to direct discharge of their sewage into the estero. It was important
for these residents to be aware of these existing lines to be able to cooperate well with PRRC in attaining its goal.
It was a tough job to extract information. But at the end of the day, another important accomplishment of the team was the information
disseminated to the residents of Sampaloc on the efforts of PRRC, as well as, the change in their outlook that there is hope in rehabilitating
the Pasig River through a participative and cooperative group action.
Jillian Alexis D. Manlangit and Eduardo B. Bornilla Jr.,
PRRC Environmental Management Division
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Ilog Natin
Pasig River Unified Monitoring Station (PRUMS)
1st Quarter 2014
In line with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC)
mandate to rehabilitate the Pasig River to a Class C and SB
standard, the PRUMS or Pasig River Unified Monitoring Stations
project was initiated. It began on January 26, 2009 and was
Table1. Summary of Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Biochemical
Oxygen Demand (BOD) Concentrations
Station
January
2014
DO*
BOD
mg/L
mg/L
February
2014
DO*
BOD
mg/L
mg/L
March
2014
DO*
BOD
mg/L
mg/L
DO
Criterion
BOD
Criterion
organized by the four agencies; Environmental Management
C6 Bridge
6.60
14.00
7.30
8
4.40
12.00
5
7
Bureau, National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), Environmental
Bambang Bridge
0.75
20.00
3.90
28.00
2.80
26.00
5
7
Management Bureau, Central Office (EMB-CO), Laguna Lake
Vargas Bridge
1.35
22.00
0.00
52.00
0.00
84.00
5
7
Development Authority (LLDA) and the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Marikina Bridge
7.55
10.00
1.60
38.00
0.50
45.00
5
7
Commission (PRRC). PRUMS Project harmonizes the water quality
Buayang Bato
0.00
128.00
2.90
118.00
3.10
74.00
5
7
Guadalupe Ferry
Station
4.85
16.00
4.30
12.00
2.10
8.00
5
7
Guadalupe Nuevo
0.60
92.00
0.00
98.00
0.00
108.00
5
7
Guadalupe Viejo
5.70
76.00
0.00
82.00
0.00
50.00
5
7
Sevilla Bridge
2.75
50.00
0.00
106.00
0.00
50.00
5
7
Lambingan
Bridge
0.00
8.00
4.60
12.00
3.40
18.00
5
7
concentration was up by 11.61% compared to the 2009 reference
Havana Bridge
5.45
94.00
0.00
122.00
0.00
112.00
5
7
data. The higher the DO concentration the more it is capable to
Nagtahan Bridge
0.00
10.00
2.40
10.00
0.90
14.00
5
7
Jones Bridge
3.30
14.00
2.30
14.00
3.60
12.00
5
7
Manila Bay
3.40
8.00
1.60
10.00
0.20
10.00
5
5
monitoring stations along the Pasig River and provides a coherent
water quality report for public information.
Results of the PRUMS shows that the first quarter which is part of
the dry season the water tends to be more concentrated and
manifests poorer water quality compared to the wet season.
Monitoring results showed that the Biochemical Oxygen Demand
during this quarter is higher by 22.01% compared to the first
quarter of 2009. Thus, all of the stations did not meet the Class C
and SB criteria for BOD. In relation to this, the Dissolved Oxygen
sustain aquatic life.
This quarter based on the laboratory results the Total Suspended
Solids decreased by 49.17%, Oil and Grease increased by
34.24%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2009. From 2009-2014
Note: DAO 34 (1990)Standard for Class C and SB; DO- 5.00mg/L
DAO 34 (1990) Standard for Class C; BOD- 7.00mg/L Class SB-5.00mg/L
an increase of 53.08% in Nitrate was observed. Furthermore, the
Phosphate concentration increased from 1.85 mg/L to 10.22 mg/L,
a high Surfactant concentration was also seen in stations that
JANUARY
2014
Station
Total
Coliform
MPN/100mL
C6 Bridge
92x10
Bambang
Bridge
49x10
Vargas
Bridge
28x10
Marikina
Bridge
22x10
Buayang
Bato
92x10
Guadalupe
Ferry
Station
13x10
preservatives, leather tanning and textiles.
Guadalupe
Nuevo
24x10
Generally, the water quality condition this first quarter continues to
Guadalupe
Viejo
70x10
Sevilla
Bridge
16x10
Lambingan
Bridge
11x10
Havana
Bridge
35x10
Nagtahan
Bridge
92x10
Jones
Bridge
63x10
Manila Bay
54x10
also have the highest Phosphate concentrations. This result shows
us that liquid domestic and industrial wastes/ laundry washings
are the primary source of these nutrients. There was also an
increase in Total Coliform from 1.78 x 106 MPN/100 mL to 3.69 x108
MPN/100 mL that was observed. The high Total and Fecal Coliform
concentrations are the effect of improper sanitation practices and
sewage system of the residents and the industries that surrounds
the Pasig River. In addition to this, a significant rise in cadmium
from 0.002 mg/L to 0.039 mg/L, Chromium from 0.005 mg/L to 0.086
mg/L and Lead from 0.01 mg/L to 0.057 mg/L was observed. These
heavy metals primary sources come from industrial effluents, paint,
old pipes, fuel, pigments, glass, batteries, electroplating, ink, wood
deteriorate. This is due to the domestic indiscriminate dumping of
liquid and solid wastes from various non-point sources in the Pasig
River. These are still the primary source of pollution and the primary
source of nutrients in the river. However, another contributor to
the poor water quality this quarter is the high temperature that
is happening and the less rain we are experiencing this last few
months. High temperature means lower capacity of the river to
contain dissolved oxygen while less rain means that the excess
amount of nutrients and heavy metals in the river is not being
flushed out.Lovely Joyce D. Calayag, PRRC Environmental
Management Division
Fecal
Coliform
MPN/100mL
2
92x10
4
49x10
6
28x10
6
14x10
8
92x10
5
13x10
8
24x10
7
46x10
7
16x10
5
11x10
5
35x10
4
92x10
4
17x10
4
24x10
FEBRUARY
2014
Total
Coliform
MPN/100mL
2
14x10
4
17x10
6
92x10
6
24x10
8
16x10
5
46x10
8
92x10
7
54x10
7
35x10
5
54x10
5
35x10
4
79x10
4
92x10
4
14x10
Fecal
Coliform
MPN/100mL
2
14x10
6
17x10
4
92x10
7
24x10
7
16x10
5
46x10
7
92x10
6
54x10
6
63x10
4
13x10
7
35x10
4
79x10
4
92x10
5
70x10
MARCH
2014
Total
Coliform
MPN/100mL
2
17x10
6
54x10
4
16x10
7
35x10
7
22x10
5
54x10
7
54x10
6
16x10
5
16x10
4
79x10
7
35x10
4
54x10
4
54x10
4
22x10
Fecal
Coliform
MPN/100mL
3
33x10
2
5
35x10
6
22x10
7
35x10
6
22x10
5
54x10
6
54x10
7
54x10
7
54x10
4
79x10
7
35x10
6
17x10
5
13x10
5
17x10
5
5
7
6
5
6
6
6
4
7
6
5
5
Note: DAO 34 (1990) Standard for Class C; Total Coliform- 5000 MPN/100 mL, SB-1000
MPN/ 100 mL
Ilog Natin
Pasig River Unified
Monitoring System Map
February 26, 2014 Havana Station
C6 Bridge
Bambang
Bridge
Vargas
Bridge
Marikina
Bridge
Buayang
bato
Guadalupe
Ferry
Station
Guadalupe
Nuevo
Guadalupe
Viejo
Sevilla
Bridge
Lambingan
Bridge
Nagtahan
Bridge
Havana
Bridge
Jones
Bridge
Manila Bay
Nagtahan
Bridge
Havana
Bridge
Jones
Bridge
Manila Bay
Note: DAO 34 (1990)Standard for Class C and SB; DO- 5.00mg/L
C6 Bridge
Bambang
Bridge
Vargas
Bridge
Marikina
Bridge
Buayang
bato
Guadalupe
Ferry
Station
Guadalupe
Nuevo
Guadalupe
Viejo
Sevilla
Bridge
Lambingan
Bridge
Note: DAO 34 (1990) Standard for Class C; BOD- 7.00mg/L Class SB-5.00mg/L
February 27, 2014 Guadalupe Ferry
Station
C6 Bridge
Bambang
Bridge
Vargas
Bridge
Marikina
Bridge
Buayang
bato
Guadalupe
Ferry
Station
Guadalupe
Nuevo
Guadalupe
Viejo
Sevilla
Bridge
Lambingan
Bridge
Nagtahan
Bridge
Havana
Bridge
Jones
Bridge
Manila Bay
Note: No DAO 34 (1990) standard
C6 Bridge
Bambang
Bridge
Vargas
Bridge
Marikina
Bridge
Buayang
bato
Guadalupe
Ferry
Station
Guadalupe
Nuevo
Guadalupe
Viejo
Sevilla
Bridge
Lambingan
Bridge
Nagtahan
Bridge
Havana Jones Manila Bay
Bridge Bridge
February 26, 2014 Manila Bay station
Note: DAO 34 (1990) Standard for Class C; Total Coliform- 5000 MPN/100 mL, SB-1000 MPN/ 100 mL
06
07
Ilog Natin
A JOURNEY TO THE HEART
OF THE PHILIPPINES
PRRC’s Team Building and Advocacy-laden Activities
In this world of fast paced technology, it’s important to take a
FIRST DAY
much needed break. An out of town environment coupled with
While waiting for a boat ride from Batangas Port to Calapan
fun and relaxation will help everyone refresh and rejuvenate.
Oriental Mindoro, team building facilitators instructed each group
With this view comes into play the annual holding of Pasig River
to formulate an environmental slogan and cheer leading chant,
Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) team-building which forges
which will serve as a precursor for group members to interact and
strong relationships, fosters happiness, strengthens camaraderie
familiarize among themselves.
and increases productivity.
Scavenger hunting towards the Hidden Paradise Falls of Tukuran
in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro… Trekking, snorkelling, boating
and rendering expeditious and instantaneous community service
in the breath-taking island of Sibale in Romblon… and planting
of mangroves in a 42-hectare wetland ecosystem of Silonay
Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Tourism Park in Calapan, Oriental
Mindoro were the major advocacy efforts done by the PRRC in its
three-day team building from May 12 – 14, 2014.
According to Robins and Coulter in their book “Management”,
team building is defined as ‘interaction among members of work
teams to learn how each member thinks and works’. The key
phrase here is ‘to learn how each member thinks and works’.
The PRRC personel take a carabao-cart ride during a scavenger hunt activity.
Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
PRRC management teams and personnel were formed into five
In Tukuran Falls, each team were formed into two groups: one
groups with respective team leaders namely: RED team (Haydee
that will trek the river and the other will ride the buffalo cart.
Torralba), YELLOW team (Boots B. Nicolas), ORANGE team (Angelita
Though formed separately, there’s one objective in this task: that
Galano), VIOLET team (Jovito Calagos), and PINK team (Jericho
is to hunt and seek for clues leading to the answer of a certain
Von Miranda) equally divided male and female with 23 members
query. Before reaching the so-called Hidden Paradise of Tukuran
each to maximize team performance.
Falls, it’s amazing how the entire group hurdled six river crossings,
a Mangyan community, and a never-ending trail of fruit-bearing
trees such as coconut, lanzones and blackberry.
Ilog Natin
SECOND DAY
performance of each team. With all the hurdles and challenges,
The day is much enticing for after the breakfast, the teams witness
the YELLOW TEAM emerged as the over-all champion followed by
the lush greenery of Maestre de Campo in the island of Sibale in
the PINK TEAM, RED TEAM, ORANGE TEAM and VIOLET TEAM.
Romblon (which geographically speaking is in the heart of the
Philippines and somewhere in between Romblon and Oriental,
THIRD DAY
Mindoro). In the Municipality of Concepcion, Romblon, PRRC was
On the last day, PRRC personnel went to Silonay Mangrove Park to
welcomed by no less than Mayor Lemuel Cipriano and the town’s
plant mangroves in this 42-hectare wetland that serves as buffer
Drum and Lyre Corps.
to rising floods and storm surges. PRRC were welcomed by the
unbelievable scenery on the ways how the locals conserve this
Before plunging into the activities on that day, the warmth and
precious ecosystem.
hospitality of the locals were felt when they hosted a lunch served
with the town’s native delicacies cooked and prepared through
The event turned immensely positive as the level of joy and
native bamboo plates and cups. This festive mood energized the
happiness of personnel was high and all went home re-energized.
Truly, as Henry Ford stated “coming together is a beginning;
keeping together is a process; working together is a success.”
Two heads are better than one because everyone has different
perspectives, and if you can put some time and effort into getting
to know your colleagues on a personal level, your agency’s work
will benefit from these multiple points of view.
Part of the day’s itinerary is the forest tour.Participants were guided to proper
handling of seedlings. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
PRRC community organizer Sofia Macaraja joins the mangroves planting
activity. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
The male personel volunteered in the community Service race for Sibale’s
multi-purpose covered court. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
group to go trekking the Concepcion Forest Park, wherein every
group member must plant a tree as one of PRRC’s advocacy for
the environment. Then, we explore the waters of the island by
The loot stop for the trip is a refreshing tour of Mangrove Park. Photo by Garry
Ignacio, PRRC
venturing into snorkelling activities. Much fun was brought here as
we can clearly see marine species underneath in this pristine and
Team building events therefore should go beyond the idea
crystal-clear waters.
of ‘pleasure and leisure’. They have to allow for learning about
how each member of the team thinks and works in relation to
Sibale’s experience was highlighted by a community service of all
the workplace. However, most team building practitioners today
able-bodied men to carry the soil, using the wheel-barrow, to the
are commonly using team building events to simply encourage
soon to be constructed school-building while the onlooking female
people to work together and not learn about how each team
group members cheered and chanted to the delight of the crowd.
member actually thinks and behaves. The patented message
carried behind the way most team building is ‘you all must learn to
In the nightcap of the penultimate day, various games were played
work as a team’. Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
to test the familiarity and communication abilities of the members
of each group. Afterwards, event facilitators evaluated the
08
09
Ilog Natin
Estero de Sampaloc and
Estero de Valencia
inaugurated
Photo by Gary Ignacio, PRRC
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) on June 11, 2014,
formally inaugurated two rehabilitated esteros of the Pasig River in
the City of Manila: Estero de Sampaloc and Estero de Valencia.
PRRC Chair Regina Paz Lopez, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino,
Miss Phils-Earth Beauties and Yeng Constantino graced the event
which began with a walkthrough from Valencia Pumping Station
in Sta. Mesa and ended at Loyola in Sampaloc, Manila. It culminated with a program proper with Chairperson Lopez expressing
her gratitude for all the people who gave their efforts to rehabilitate the said esteros.
relocated to Balagtas and Gaya-Gaya in the province of Bulacan
as part of the estero rehabilitation.
Residents of the barangays in the periphery of the esteros expressed their gratitude as the rehabilitation did not only clean the
esteros, but also improved the quality of their lives. They are also
committed to the sustainability of cleaning the environment as an
important factor in reducing floods in Manila.
Chairman Tolentino on his part emphasized that the success of the
PRRC’s programs to rehabilitate these esteros signifies freedom of
the people from unwanted garbage and clogged waterways, in
time with the celebration of Independence Day on June 12.
Singer Yeng Constantino, on the other hand, reiterated how significant to take care of our environment by simply throwing rubbish to
respective garbage cans to prevent flooding.
The 1,139 – meter Estero de Sampaloc and 522 – meter Estero de
Valencia were rehabilitated by conducting riverbed dredging
and desilting works, riverbank development, phytoremediation
and bioremediation. Almost 350 informal settler families (ISF) were
PRRC Chair Gina Lopez, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino and singer Yeng
Constantino walking along the rehabilitated Estero de Valencia. Photo by
Garry Ignacio, PRRC
The unveiling of the marker at Estero de Valencia with Yeng Constantino.
Looking in are PRRC Chair Lopez, Exec. Dir. Ronald Naguit and MMDA
Chairman Tolentino. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
UNITED AS ONE. from left to right: Ronaldo Santos (USO Manila), ASec.
Eddie Nuque (OP), MMDA Chairman Tolentino, PRRC Chair Lopez, KBPIP
Proj. Dir. Mike Rubio, MMDA Gen, Mngr. Corazon Jimenez and PPRC Exec.
Dir. Ronald Naguit. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
Ilog Natin
DEFINING
LEGAL EASEMENTS
The Civil Code of the Philippines defines easement as an encumbrance
2. Continuous or intermittent waters of springs and brooks running in
imposed upon an immovable for the benefit of another immovable
their natural beds and the beds themselves;
belonging to a different owner or for the benefit of a community, or
3. Waters rising continuously or intermittently on lands of public
of one or more persons to whom the encumbered estate does not
dominion;
belong.
4. Lakes and lagoons formed by Nature on public lands, and their beds;
5. Rain waters running through ravines or sand beds, which are also of
An easement or servitude is a real right on another’s property, corporeal
public dominion;
and immovable, whereby the owner of the latter must refrain from
6. Subterranean waters on public lands;
doing or allowing somebody else to do or something to be done on his
7. Waters found within the zone of operation of public works, even if
or her property, for the benefit of another person or tenement; it is jus
constructed by a contractor;
in re aliena, inseparable from the estate to which it actively or passively
8. Waters rising continuously or intermittently on lands belonging to
belongs, indivisible, perpetual, and a continuing property right, unless
private persons, to the State, to a province, or to a city or a municipality
extinguished by causes provided by law. (Villanueva v. Velasco, 399 Phil
from the moment they leave such lands;
664 & Quimen v. Court of Appeals, 326 Phil 969)
9. The waste waters of fountains, sewers and public establishments.
There are two kinds of easement according to source: by law or by will
Furthermore, Article 638 of the Civil Code of the Philippines states
of the owners – the former are called legal and the latter voluntary
that, “The banks of rivers and streams, even in case they are private
easement. A legal easement or compulsory easement, or an easement
ownership, are subject throughout their entire length and within a
by necessity constituted by law has for its object either public use or
zone of three meters along their margins, to the easement of public
the interest of private persons.
use in the general interest of navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage”.
The three-meter legal easement rule, which is considered as public
Estates adjoining the banks of navigable or floatable rivers are,
property and part of public dominion, is underscored under Article 502
furthermore, subject to the easement of towpath for the exclusive
of the New Civil Code which states that;
service of river navigation and floatage.
• The following are of public dominion:
If it be necessary for such purpose to occupy lands of private ownership,
1. Rivers and their natural beds;
the proper indemnity shall first be paid. Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
10
11
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PRRC HOLDS
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT
(GAD) SEMINAR-WORKSHOP
Consistent with the government’s policy of adopting Gender and
Development (GAD) program which recognizes the equality of
men and women, and to incorporate and reflect GAD concerns
in agency performance commitment contracts, annual budget
proposals, work and financial plans, Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) held a two-day seminar on Gender
Mainstreaming and Analysis from June 26-27, 2014 at the University
Hotel of University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
 Gender Division of Labor
 Manifestations of Gender Bias
 Gender and Development
• Session 3: Gender Analysis
 Gender Mainstreaming Evaluation Framework
 GMEF Workshop.
The event was a combination of lecture and workshop participated
by members of PRRC GAD Focal Point System chaired by Ms. Lolita
O. Historillo, PRRC’s Chief Administrative Officer with its members
coming from various division heads of PRRC. A Technical Working
Group and other key personnel, representing all divisions within
the PRRC, also attended the seminar-workshop with Ms. Katherine
Vinegas as a resource person referred by the Philippine Commission
on Women (PCW).
The first day of the seminar-workshop was divided into three
sessions:
• Session 1: GAD Mandates
 International Mandates
 R.A. 9710 “Magna Carta of Women”
 Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular
2011-11
 Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) – National Economic
Development Authority NEDA) – Department of Budget and
Management (DBM) 2012-01
• Session 2: Basic GAD Concepts
 Sex and Gender
 Gender Roles
Easement Recovery and Housing Resettlement Head Ariel Maralit (in blue
hoodie) with members for various PRRC division form groups for initial planning
for the Commission’s GAD programs. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
The second day includes:
• GMEF Workshop Output Presentation and Discussion
• Harmonized GAD Guidelines
•Workshop on the Harmonized GAD Guidelines
• Presentation of Workshop Outputs
• Three-year GAD Planning.
It is expected that after this seminar-workshop, the GAD Focal
Point System, the Technical Working Group and Key personnel of
PRRC will be capacitated in the preparation of GAD plan, budget
and accomplishment report and learn how to implement projects
in gender analysis using Harmonized Gender and Development
Guidelines (HGDG). Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
Resource Speaker for gender and Mainstreaming and Analysis Katherine
Viregas discusses the Magna Carta of Woman. Photo by Garry Ignacio,
PRRC
Deputy Director for Finance and Administrative Service Helen Quililan
emphasizes the importance of GAD program. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
Ilog Natin
Office of the President
Tours Pasig River
The Technical working Group of the office of the President with Engr.Reynaldo Ramos PRRC Planning Head (extreme left) and Amelita V. Gamay, PRRC PIAT
Head (2nd from the left). Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
The Office of the President represented by Assistant Secretary Joel
M. Villaseca made an ocular inspection of the Pasig River thru the
Pasig River Ferry in the morning of May 30, 2014. The tour started
from Plaza Mexico Station to Guadalupe Station and vice-versa.
Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Executive Director
Ronald A. Naguit, PRRC Public Information, Advocacy and Tourism
Head Amelita V. Gamay and MMDA Planning Officer Reynaldo V.
Lunas welcomed the representatives of the Office of the President
at Plaza Mexico Station in Intramuros, Manila.
Lunas briefly oriented the attendees on the plans of MMDA that
led to the reopening of the Pasig River Ferry Service. According
to him, the ferry service is being eyed by MMDA Chair Francis
Tolentino as an alternative mode of transportation while major
road works are on-going.
On board the Orient Sea Crest, which is one of the boats being
used by the private operators, were PRRC Planning Head Engr.
Reynaldo Ramos, Dir. Alberto Kimpo of OP-GPMO, Dir. Cherry Rose
Tena of OES-GSG, Dir. Gloria Bundoc and Dir. Rodolfo Pinto Jr. of
OP-Finance and Dir. Cristina Villarica of OP-Appointments.
Dir. Alberto Kimpo of OP-GPMO embarking from the boat after a trip from
Guadalupe to plaza Mexico. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
Several insights were shared after the tour. Dir. Villarica saw the
improvement of the Pasig River and stressed the importance
of maintaining the rehabilitation of the river. But she noted that
there must be a plan to continuously improve the water quality
of the Pasig River for the convenience of the passengers who are
bound to their respective destinations. Dir. Kimpo said that the
current operation of the ferry service has been an improvement
compared to the previous one. Dir. Tena on the other hand,
noticed that informal settler families (ISFs) along the banks of the
Pasig River must be addressed and that dwellings and factories
must take action in water protection.
Asec. Villaseca thanked the MMDA, PRRC, and DOTC for the Pasig
River Ferry Service. He said that it will be a big help to decongest
traffic once government infrastructure works commenced.
ASEC.Joel Villaseca (1st row) of the office of the President and Dir. Kimpo (2nd
row) on the board Orient Sea Crest. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
12
Ilog Natin
13
PRRC holds convention for
estero partners in Estero de Paco
Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission
the participants and expressed her
Michael Rubio, Project Director of
(PRRC), in its mission to transform the
belief in the goal to rehabilitate
Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP),
Pasig River and its tributaries into a new
the Pasig River and its tributaries.
presented the first topic regarding
quality of urban life held the Estero de
PRRC Executive Director Ronald A.
proper
Paco Barangay Convention on the
Naguit
in Estero de Paco. He concisely
16th of May at the College of the Holy
participation
Spirit in Mendiola, Manila.
agencies for the success of the
undertaken as part of the solid waste
acknowledged
of
the
PRRC’s
active
partner
solid
expounded
waste
the
management
various
activities
convention. Executive Director Naguit
management information campaign.
identify
added that in order to improve the
A quick presentation from popular folk
issues and concerns with the existing
community, barangay leaders should
singer and environmental advocate
ecological solid waste management,
follow the guiding principle of LEAD
Joey Ayala followed the first lecture.
waste
The
convention
water
aims
to
management
which stands for “Learn, Evaluate, Act,
Ayala enlightened the participants
sewerage
and Develop”. PRRC Chair Regina Paz
with his concept of “Salundiwa”, short
management programs implemented
Lopez gave an inspirational message
for “pagsalo ng diwa” for which he
in the peripheral barangays of Estero
which highlighted the significant role
stressed that people usually take for
de Paco.
of the barangay to infuse change and
granted the importance of little things
development for the communities
in the environment.
and
Dr.
sanitation
Concepcion
and
Lizada
of
the
along Estero de Paco.
College of the Holy Spirit welcomed
The
Solid
Waste
Management
Program of Manila was presented by
Head of Department of Public Services
Lillybelle Borromeo. Borromeo urged
the support of the barangay leaders
to instill and promote discipline to its
constituents on proper solid waste
management disposal.
Joma Lim, consultant from Asian
Development
Bank
(ADB-INCLAM)
presented the baseline date of Estero
de Paco which was gathered in 2009
and was compared to its recent data.
The data shows significant decrease
in the number of households following
proper waste segregation. Lim further
challenged the barangay leaders to
hasten its compliance.
Topics on Waste Water Management
covered the second part of the
program which was ably presented
by Javier Coloma Brotons, an ADB
Urban
Development
Specialist
on Water Supply and Sanitation.
Folk signer Joey Ayala sings environmentally inspired songs for estero partners. Photo by Garry
Ignacio,PRRC
Brotons emphatically intertwine the
connection between water sanitation
and public health. An informative video
Ilog Natin
on the dynamics and technicalities
of the maintenance of septic tank
was shown during the presentation of
Celso Umali of Maynilad.
After the lecture presentations, the
participants were divided into five
groups to formulate, discuss and plan
solutions to improve its solid waste and
waste water management programs.
The five break-out groups were guided
by facilitators from ADB-INCLAM, UN
Habitat for Humanity, KBPIP and PRRC.
The groups were given 10 minutes
to present their plans to the panel
of reactors which is composed of
representatives from Department of
Public Services of the City of Manila,
Barangay leaders signing the “Declaration of commitment for Joint Action on Estero de Paco“ Photo by
Garry Ignacio,PRRC
City Engineering Office of Manila,
MMDA Flood Control Division, DENRNational Solid Waste Management
Committee, Manila Sanitation Division
and was co-chaired by Michael Rubio
and PRRC Deputy Executive Director
for Operations Engr. Jude John Deseo.
The plans and solutions taken from
the five groups were synthesized by
Atty. Donna Gasgonia, Adviser to the
Office of City Mayor of Manila. Atty.
Gasgonia announced that there is a
proposal for a task force composed
the departments from Manila City
LGU that will entirely focus for the
rehabilitation of the esteros.
PRRC Chair Gina Lopez giving an inspirational message to barangay leaders. Photo by Garry
Ignacio,PRRC
Estero Manager from KBPIP Jonald
Balgos said that the action plans
set forth in the convention should
have a follow-up coordination with
the barangay representatives which
will be handled by the community
organizers of Estero de Paco.
Before the forum ended, the barangay
leaders recited its commitment as
Engr. Deseo led the reciting of the
“Declaration
of
Commitment
for
Joint Action on Estero de Paco”. After
verbalizing
their
commitment,
the
participants signed their names on the
Commitment Wall.
Ms.Frelyn Maniebo of DPS Manila shares her thoughts on Solid waste management program of City of
manila. Photo by Garry Ignacio,PRRC
14
Ilog Natin
15
INTER-AGENCY SEMINAR-WORKSHOP ON
ENFORCEMENT AND PARALEGAL TRAINING FOR
ESTERO DE PACO AND ESTERO DE SANTIBANEZ
A seminar-workshop on Enforcement and Paralegal Training for
peripheral barangays of Estero de Paco and Estero de Santibanez
was held on June 19, 2014 at Cecilia Munoz Palma Hall of
Universidad de Manila (UDM).
According to Mr. Mike Rubio, KBPIP Project Director, the purpose
of this seminar-workshop is to equip both elected and appointed
barangay officials the knowledge about enforcement and
paralegal training in the implementation of laws and ordinances
relating to R.A. 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act”, Presidential Decree 1067 or the “Water Code of the
Philippines”, and the related articles under the Civil Code of the
Philippines referring to Easements.
Ms. Angelita Galano, PRRC Information Officer III, applauded the
efforts of various barangay councils in the sustainability of the
projects and programs in place for Estero de Paco and Santibanez.
Expectations, as to the output of the seminar-workshop, of each
barangay were given by the following barangay officials:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chairwoman Teresita Sikat of Brgy. 662;
Chairman Alfredo Tan of Brgy. 735;
Kag. Benito Addun of Brgy. 679;
Chairman Benigno Addun of Brgy. 679;
Chairman Eduardo Joson of Brgy. 686;
Chairman Alexander Cubillas of Brgy. 673;
Chairwoman Rowena Cruz of Brgy. 811; and
Chairwoman Norma Desiderio of Brgy. 671.
The seminar/lecture proper was presided by Atty. Donna Gasgonia
from the Office of the City Mayor of Manila. She enumerated the
existing ordinances being implemented by the City of Manila
on waste management, wastewater, encroachments and
obstruction.
According to Atty. Gasgonia, the following are the Ordinances of
the City of Manila:
•
Ordinance No. 7397 = “Dumping, placing, throwing of
waste/refuse/garbage materials, papers, cigarette butts and the
like” ANTI-LITTERING;
•
Ordinance No. 7404 = Governing solid waste practices
including prohibitions of open dumping on vacant lot or properties
on esteros and other water courses”;
•
Ordinance No. 7510 = “Prohibiting scavenging and
providing penalty for violation thereof”;
•
Ordinance No. 7695 = “Prohibiting disposal of garbage/
trash/rubbish and refuse in open uncovered or unsealed
container”;
•
Ordinance No. 7849 = “Amending section 4 of Ordinance
7695 referring to disposal of garbage by providing a higher penalty
for violation thereof”;
•
Ordinance No. 7853 = “Requiring garbage receptacles
in all public utility vehicles in the City of Manila and amending/
repealing for the purpose of Ordinance 6747 and 7436”;
•
Ordinance No. 7866 = “Penalizing the disposal of
garbage, debris and other waste materials in rivers, creeks, canals
and waterways allocating to the barangays 20% of the fine
collected therefrom and for other purposes”;
•
Ordinance No. 7876 = “Requiring all residents of and
business establishments within the City of Manila to provide their
homes and establishments with containers with which segregate
bio and non-biodegradable garbage for composting and
recycling”;
•
Ordinance No. 7924 = “Prohibiting the dumping and
discharging of garbage, refuse, sewer waste, debris, toxic waste
and other pollutants from vessels, factories, commercial and
industrial establishments, residential houses and other structures
into the Manila Bay, Pasig River and other bodies of water within
the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Manila”;
•
Ordinance No. 8194 = “Amending section 3 of Ordinance
7404 – An ordinance governing solid waste disposal practices
including prohibition of open dumping in vacant lots, properties in
esteros and other water courses”;
•
Ordinance No. 7444 = “Regulating and controlling the
discharge of industrial and other wastes into the atmospheric air
and body of water within the territorial limits for the purpose of
abatement and prevention of pollution”;
•
Ordinance No. 8107 = “Instituting a Water Code for the City
of Manila to govern the management, utilization, development,
conservation and protection of the municipal waters of the city,
creating for the purpose the Manila Water Management Office,
appropriating the amount needed therefore, and for other
purposes”;
•
Ordinance No. 2411 Section 1127 = “Encroachments,
Conditions of. No street shall be permanently encroached upon,
except as otherwise expressly provided by ordinance. Permit for
the temporary occupancy of such public property is included in
the permit for the building”;
•
Ordinance No. 2411 Section 1157 = “Erecting Obstruction.
Ilog Natin
Adviser for Office of the City Mayor manila Attorney Donna Sasgonia discusses
Manila’s ordinances on solid waste and waste water managment . Photo by
Garry Ignacio, PRRC
It shall be unlawful to place or erect any post, fence, stand building,
or other obstruction, in whole or in part, upon a street, sidewalk, or
public way, or to obstruct any street, drain, or gutter, without first
obtaining a permit therefore from the City Engineer (R.O. 1048)”;
•
Ordinance No. 7093 = An ordinance amending section
2, 3 and 4 of Ordinance 6510 which declares a nuisance the
obstruction in any street by any motor vehicle that breaks down by
reason of mechanical or engine defect”.
Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig Project Director Michael Rubio welcomes the
barangay representatives from Estero de Paco and Santibañez. Photo by
Garry Ignacio, PRRC
After the lecture proper, a workshop followed wherein all the
barangay officials are unified in the creation of a “Task Force on
Legal Easement and Ordinances relating to R.A. 9003”. Initially, the
composition of the task force includes CEO and DPS of the City of
Manila, MMDA, DILG and DENR-NSWMC.
Another meeting will be conducted to finalize the composition of
the said task force. Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
METAL-EATING PLANT
FIGHTS POLLUTION
Scientists in the Philippines have discovered a plant that can absorb
large amounts of metal without itself being poisoned, the species is
called Rinorea niccolifera, which can be used to clean up polluted soils
and harvest commercially viable metals.
The plant, also known as hyperaccumulator plant, that can absorb
significant amounts of metal through their roots. The discovery was
announced in a scientific paper published in an open access journal
PhytoKeys. The name came from the Latin word for nickel (niccolum)
and to yield or to contain (fer).
The lead researcher and author of a new study on the plant, Prof.
Edwino Fernando from the University of the Philippines Los Banos
(UPLB) along with Dr. Marilyn Quimado laid out the details of the
discovery stating the leaves of the plant can absorb up to 18,000 parts
Photo by www.abc.net.au
Photo by phys.org
per million of nickel, 1,000 times more than can be safely absorbed by
any other known plant.
This new species was discovered on the western part of Zambales.
Being a new scientific discovery, the plant has important environmental
benefits. It can remove large amounts of dangerous metallic metals
from polluted ecosystems.
These type of plants can be used in the development of green
technologies, like phytoextraction, phytoremediation and phytomining,
concluded by Augustine Doronilla of the University of Melbourne, who
co-authored the scientific study.
Excerpted from Manila Standard Today
Boots Nicolas
Photo by www.centrometeoitaliano.it
16
17
Ilog Natin
GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
IN ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
National Greening Program (NGP) of DENR throught planting of trees.
The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) has called for greater
public participation in environmental
protection to combat climate change
that aggravates the impacts of natural
calamities like super typhoon Yolanda.
In its “State of the Philippine Environment”
report made known during the celebration
of the Earth Day, the DENR said that while
progress is being made, much more needs
to be done to protect the environment and
mitigate the impacts of climate change.
“We have done much. But there is still much
more to be done,” DENR Undersecretary
Demetrio Ignacio Jr. said in a speech at the
Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City,
where the Earth Day celebration was held.
Ignacio said the government formulates
various
policies
for
environmental
protection but these turn out to be
successful if there is active participation by
the general public.
The environment official said the threat from
global warming is real and urgent, citing
a recent report by the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate on Climate Change that
if greenhouse gases continue to rise, global
temperature will increase 3.5 to 4 degrees
centigrade by the 21st century, double the
target increase of 2 degrees centigrade.
“This
has
serious
implications
for
the
Philippines considering that we are one
of the most vulnerable countries on the
impact of climate change,” Ignacio
pointed out. “We need to strengthen our
adaptation measures and contribute more
to climate change mitigation.”
He added: “To do these, we need to unify
and redouble our efforts. We need to
put in more investments. We have been
successful in making our people aware of
the environment. We now need to translate
this high level of awareness into actions.”
In fact, Ignacio said the Philippine
government – through the DENR and
other concerned agencies – has recently
made positive progress in environmental
protection and in ensuring effective
mitigation and adaptation to climate
change.
He said that even prior to Yolanda, which
has given the country the stark reminder
of the vulnerability of its communities to
extreme weather events, the DENR has
already came up with measures to prevent
or minimize the loss of lives and properties
during disasters.
The DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau
has already completed the geohazard
mapping of the entire Philippines at 1:50,000
scale and distributed 85,000 map sheets
showing where landslides and flooding can
occur at the barangay level.
It is also expected to complete this year
a more detailed geohazard mapping
covering all cities and municipalities at a
scale of 1:10,000. The 3D version of these
geohazard maps will also be out soon.
President Benigno Aquino III recently
ordered the release of P1 billion for the
mangrove and beach forest plantation in
Yolanda-stricken areas.
Ignacio said that many deaths and
destruction during Typhoon Yolanda could
have been prevented if the country’s
shorelines were adequately protected with
trees and mangroves.
“We have already started mangrove
planting in Tacloban. We will expand
to cover Leyte, Samar and other areas
devastated by recent typhoons, including
the coastal devastations caused by the
fighting in Zamboanga City,” he revealed.
Ignacio also noted how the government’s
massive National Greening Program (NGP)
by the end of the year would have planted
trees in over a million hectares, surpassing
the total area planted for the previous 23
years.
When completed by 2016, the NGP is
expected to improve the country’s air
quality and reduce greenhouse gases
(GHG) by absorbing 38 million tons of
carbon with improved forest cover from
watersheds in the uplands down to the
Ilog Natin
mangrove forests along the coastlines.
Increasing the country’s forest cover, which
at 24 percent of the land area currently
ranks the second lowest in Southeast Asia,
will also provide habitats for the country’s
varied wildlife and provide food and water
security for all.
Alongside the ecological benefits, Ignacio
stated that the NGP has also employed
more than 144,000 people in the upland
and rural communities, and provided
them with food and high value crops such
as fruit trees, coffee, cacao and rubber
for possible additional income through
sustainable agriculture.
He added that many of the 232 protected
areas (PAs) or national parks in the country
that are all part of the NGP, are also
priority ecotourism sites, which are being
developed together with the Department
of Tourism, local government units (LGUs),
the private sector and surrounding
communities.
to include finer dust particles.
Aside from actively involving stakeholders
in protecting, conserving and managing
the PAs, the ecotourism sites are also
possible investment sites that could provide
local communities with jobs and income.
Ignacio also said that the air quality in
bustling Metro Manila has continued to
improve, as indicated by the reduction of
dust particles by 33 percent since 2011. In
a bid to further clean the air, the DENR has
started to expand its air quality monitoring
At the same time, The DENR has enlisted
the support of 400 corporations and local
government units (LGUs) in cleaning up
and rehabilitating some 250 waterways
and water bodies nationwide. Aside from
improving water quality and making them
safer for human use, this also reduces flood
risks during the rainy season.
The agency is likewise promoting the
use of alternative fuel and means of
transportation and advocating for clean
emissions to reduce pollution and carbon
emissions.
Department of Environment & Natural
Resources (DENR)
1ST PHILIPPINE CONFERENCE
ON VETIVER
The Laguna Lake Development Authority
(LLDA) joins the 1st Philippine Conference on
Vetiver with the theme “The Vetiver System:
A Versatile and Cost-Efficient Solution for
a Sustainable Environment” held at the
Grand Ballroom of the Intercontinental
Manila, Makati City.
The three-day conference aims to provide
an interactive venue to promote and
advance the widespread adoption of
the Vetiver System in the country through
plenary sessions, case study presentations
and workshops conducted by certified
speakers from The Vetiver Network
International (TVNI).
applications to climate change adaptation
and mitigation measures. The decision to
organize a conference was spurred by the
issuance of a Department Circular from the
Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH), the government agency in charge
of the country’s public infrastructures,
which prescribed the vetiver grass as a
vegetation material for slope stabilization
and soil erosion in public infrastructures.
The Vetiver System is a system of soil
and water conservation whose main
component is the use of vetiver plant in
hedgegrows. The Vetiver system is currently
used for soil and water conservation,
infrastructure stabilization, pollution control,
wastewater treatment, mitigation and
rehabilitation, sediment control, prevention
of storm damage and many other
environmental protection applications. The
scientific name of Vetiver with the longest
rooting system is Chrysopogon zizanioides.
Participants of the conference include
environmental and policy makers, local
government units, watershed managers,
public
infrastructure
planners
and
managers,
research
institutions
and
academe, international development
agencies, non-government organizations,
private sector involved in construction,
property development, mining, and
farming communities. www.llda.gov.ph
In support of the conference, Presidential
Adviser for Environmental Protection and
LLDA General Manager Sec. J.R. Nereus
Acosta, through his representative, Ms.
Melanie Arguelles, encouraged the
participants to visit the LLDA booth located
outside the conference room. “I look forward
to knowing more about the Vetiver System
and how it can be applied in the Philippine
setting. For an endeavour to succeed, it
must be inclusive and consultative actively
engaging all stakeholders involved. Only
then are we able to effectively craft viable
short, medium, and long-term solutions to
achieve food and water security and to
mitigate the effects of natural disasters and
climate change in the region”, Acosta said
in his message delivered by Ms. Arguelles.
While the Vetiver System is currently used in
over 100 countries, the Philippines has yet
to realize its economic value and numerous
Vertiver grass thriving Estero de Paco. Photo by Garry Ignacio,PRRC
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Ilog Natin
DPWH PUSHES FOR
“NO HOMES UNDER BRIDGE”
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio
L. Singson calls on the local government units (LGUs) in ensuring the
protection of infrastructure facilities.
to up to 10 tons only as safety precaution.
Singson said that LGUs specifically barangays are in the position to call
attention of its residents, including the informal families living under
bridges and on esteros.
Following Singson’s instruction to immediately conduct inspection on
Quezon Bridge which was exposed to fire, it was noted by bridge experts from Bureau of Design and National Capital Region that there
were deformation/buckling on steel members located at three (3) end
bays of the steel truss.
Just recently, a fire broke out at Quiapo area involving shanties living
under the Quezon Bridge forcing DPWH to limit the passing of vehicles
The DPWH NCR is now preparing program of work to facilitate the repair of damaged bridge component. www.dpwh.gov.ph
BEFORE: ISFs living under P.Casal Bridge. Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
AFTER: ISF no more as they were relocated to a convenient resettlement rite.
Photo by Garry Ignacio, PRRC
30,704 Homes for Metro ISFs in 2014
To further ensure the safety of more informal settler families (ISFs)
amidst the regular occurrence of typhoons and the risks brought
about by flooding in Metro Manila, the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM) released a total of P9.8 billion to the National
Housing Authority (NHA) for the implementation of a Housing
Project that will relocate families residing in dangerous areas in the
metro.
“In relocating these families, we are also declogging our major
roads and thoroughfares, which will have a significant impact
on our efforts to address the extensive flooding in several parts
of Metro Manila. In a sense, it’s a win-win situation for our ISFs who will be transferred to safer housing resettlements - and for the
broader population, who can soon expect improvements in our
flood control program,” he added.
The release will support the construction of a total of 30,704
housing units by 2014 - 26,948 from off-city resettlements and
3,756 from in-city low-rise buildings (LRBs) - that would effectively
transfer families currently residing along waterways such as creeks,
rivers and esteros to safer and more secure locations. “With all the
typhoons and weather disturbances we experienced last year, we
are already too familiar with the tragic consequences of climate
change - particularly the loss of life and property. This latest release
will go a long way in supporting the NHA’s housing assistance to
informal settler families, particularly those who have built their
makeshift homes in locations that are prone to heavy flooding,”
DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.
Charged under the 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for
Budgetary Support to Government Corporations, the NHA will
construct eight in-city LRBs in various government-owned lands.
The P9.8 billion funding support will also cover the implementation
of off-city row housing resettlements where in-city project plans are
not feasible. Out of the total target of 30,704 housing units being
eyed this year, 8,084 off-city housing units from 9,882 developed
lots will be completed before the year ends, the construction of
which has already started and currently on-going.
National Housing Authority
Ilog Natin
Pasig River Clean-up and Tree
Planting Activity Along Pasig River
By PO2 Jobert A Sahagun 002794 PCG
seventy (170) Mahogany Seedlings to be planted while the other
group joined the River Clean-up drive on board four (4) aluminum
boats. They were able to collect different types of waste materials from Pasig River and eventually loaded into the Leonel Dump
Truck provided by the Local Government of Taguig City for proper
disposal. One Hundred Fifty (150) volunteers collected more or less
3.2 tons of trash and recyclable marine debris within the vicinity of
the mouth of Laguna de Bay. Garbage found were litters such as
cigarettes butts, used tires, wood planks, plastics, diapers, sando
bags, food wrappers and plastic containers.
The activities were successfully completed with positive result as
manifested by the compliments from local populace. The activity
was also in line with the mandate tasked by the National Government: “The National Greening Program” pursuant to Executive
Order (EO) #26. It also helped raise the awareness within the community, especially among the youth on the importance of cleaner
and healthy environment.
At Pinagbuhatan Pasig City, the Coast Guard Sub-Station Nagpayong (CGSSN) successfully conducted the river clean-up and
tree planting activities under the leadership of Commander CHRISTOPHER M MENIADO PCG, organized by PO1 Juan G Pagaduan
Jr PCG & supported by their men and stakeholders of Pasig River
with the theme…”Clean River is a Fun River” and “The Best Time to
Plant a Tree is Twenty Years Ago but The Second Best Time is Now”.
The said activity were also actively participated by 126th and 101st
Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron, Local Government
Units from Taguig City and Pasig City, Community Environment
National Resources Office, Young Savers Organization, Office of
the Presidential for Peace and Process, Stake Holders, Asahi Glass
Corporation and Villa Gabriela.
The participants were divided into two (2) groups: the first group
joined the Tree Planting activity who proceeded to the designated area and each of them hand carried one of the one hundred
Furthermore, One Hundred Seventy (170) Mahogany
Seedlings were planted around of Napindan Wet Market. These
trees will surely contribute to the decrease of carbon dioxide in
the air and converts them into a clean and breathable oxygen.
Thereby decreasing the greenhouse effect in our environment.
As always, CGS Pasig under the operational control of
Presidential Security Group was very thankful to all the volunteers
who attended and shared their writs & effort in making the activity
successful. As a token of their support, they will receive a certificate of appreciation indicating their contribution to the environment.
We at the Coast Guard Station Pasig will always be your
partner in keeping our community clean. We hope you could join
us with our next clean-up drive. For inquiries please contact CGS
Pasig Operation Branch at telephone number 689-7892 or at cell
phone number 0929-686-4261.
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National Adopt-an-Estero /
Water Body Program Assessed
Environmental
Management
Bureau
Regional Coordinators of the Adopt-anEstero/ Water Body Program (AEWBP)
converged to share experiences and
success stories during the 2014 National
Workshop on the AEWBP organized by the
Environmental Management Bureau of the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (EMB-DENR) last May 20-23, 2014
at the Waterfront Insular Hotel in Davao
City.
EMB Assistant Director Eva Ocfemia
highlighted the importance of the
partnerships created under the Program
stating that through these, there has been
a “continuous cleaning up of the floating
debris on esteros. There is an improved
waste collection efficiency and quicker
flooding subsidence, in areas where floods
take days to subside”. Dr. Ocfemia was
quick to stress, however, that the DENR
Secretary’s challenge is to “ sustain existing
partnerships and to restore the water
bodies to their original state”.
For their part, the EMB Regional
Coordinators of the AEWBP reported
significant accomplishments under the
Program. In Region 1, Task Force Bantay
Kalikasan Posts have been established
along the stretch of the adopted Macalong
River for monitoring. Regular weekly cleanups of the river are also held, a mini park
for students has been put up, and tilapia
fingerlings have been dispersed. A Bioorganic Fertilizer Plant, Sagip Abbing PET
bottle collection program, and Linis Ilog
drives are being done in Santiago City in
Region 2 for their AEWBP. PETRON played
a major part in the strategic planning and
development of comprehensive program
for the rehabilitation of a kilometer stretch
of the Dela Paz Norte River in Region
3. The corporation, in partnership with
EMB-DENR and the local government
unit (LGU), also led clean-up activities,
solid waste management trainings, and
supported barangay environment projects,
particularly in the donation of waste bins in
Dela Paz Norte.
Adopters in Region 4A focused on surface
clean-up within the perimeter area, and
the upstream extension of the adopted
esteros. A 667-meter river embankment
rehabilitation program has also been
executed. Region 4B stepped up their
community mobilization program, and also
centered on the needs of barangays such
as livelihood trainings on Green Charcoaal
Production and Briquetting, and improved
cooking stoves. San Jose, Occidental
Mindoro, where Pandurucan River and
Tubaong River are located, was granted
with a half-million peso financial assistance
for the establishment of a Materials
Recovery Facility (MRF).
In Region 5, a kilometer of Rio Guinobatan
River has been cleared of solid wastes,
where approximately 6 cubic meters of
wastes are removed every clean-up activity
initiated by EMB Region 5 with adopter
FIlminera and the LGU. Waste receptacles
have also been distributed to communities
along the Rio Guinobatan River, as well as
construction materials (pipes, cement, steel
and bowls) for the construction of toilet
facilities at Brgy. Capsay, Brgy. Syndicate,
and Brgy. Bangon. Best practices in Region
6 include the Public and Private support
due to the creation of the Iloilo-Batiano
River Development Council; the inclusion
of the orchestrated clean-up as the major
activity of the 76th Iloilo City Charter Day
; and, the dredging of the Iloilo River and
Dungon Creek.
A Partners’ Forum was organized in Region
7, along with quarterly clean-up and tree
planting activities. In Region 8, the City
Solid Waste Management Office was
able to collect 1,159.7 sacks of garbage
from an estimated 17,801m stretch. Waste
traps and fiber boats are also maintained.
The Barangay Council has passed an
Ordinance on Republic Act No. 9003
(Ecological Solid Waste Management Act)
where a regular collection of solid waste by
the City government is ensured.
In Region 9, open burning and disposal/
storage of solid wastes along streets
especially near the rivers/creeks are
prohibited by the respective LGUbarangays covered. Community-based
organizations, as well as the residents,
were mobilized and made to participate
during clean-ups. Information campaigns
were facilitated by the academe with
the active involvement of students and
teachers from different schools/universities.
In Region 10, Cagayan Corn Products and
Nestle Philippines adopted Umalag River,
and has since held river clean-up drives
and has strengthened the information and
education campaign on the program.
The greening of the Tagnanan Creek is
among the highlights in Region 11. Over a
thousand trees have been planted [1,165
(Mangium, Falcatta, Gmelina, Lauan,
Ilog Natin
strengths, weaknesses, recommendations
for improvement, planned activities,
target dates and EMB offices in charge
of the following areas of the AEWBP:
developing and sustaining partnerships;
water sampling and monitoring; solid waste
management; information, education and
communication campaigns, including
community mobilization; documentation
and reporting; institutional set-up through
the EMB Regional AEWBP Inter-office
Team; institutionalization through the River
Management Councils or their equivalents;
other programs (such as greening,
engineering improvements, livelihood and
enterprise development); and the priority
next steps.
Pablo Maria)], alongside the 500-meter
stretch of water body cleaned. Scheduled
waste collection, a quarterly synchronized
clean-up, and livelihood programs (Pera
sa Pinya, Eco-Market, Pera sa Reject na
Saging) are in place.
Barangay Captain Ralph Abella of
Barangay Vicente Hizon Sr. in Davao
shared their experience in having adopting
Hizon Creek, which served as a “catchment
of surface run-off and wastewater from
households and commercial establishments
of Barangays Angliongto, Buhangin, and
Cabantian”. Capt. Abella highlighted their
“No Segregation, No Collection Policy”;
MRF;
of waste segregation-at-sources in schools
and government offices, the conduct
of Recyclables Collection Events, and a
strong community information, education
and mobilization program.
At the National Capital Region, adopters
March
Resources
Manufacturing
Corporation, UDENNA, and IWDSI focused
on the skimming or immediate cleaning of
Lingunan and Mauling Creeks, respectively.
Other interventions include an information
and education campaign (house-tohouse distribution of flyers), tree planting),
establishment of MRF, and a Community
Beautification Program.
To date, there are 550 Memoranda of
Agreements (MOAs) signed and 309 water
bodies adopted all over the country, under
a collaborative undertaking between and
among the estero communities, donorpartners, LGUs, schools, civil society, the
DENR and other national and regional
government agencies. The said program
aims to build partnerships among
concerned sectors and organizations to
restore the healthy state of waterways in
the country, and safeguard the well-being
of its residents. It is also a direct response to
the continuing mandamus ordered by the
Supreme Court for agencies, including the
DENR, to clean up the Manila Bay.
solid waste collection strategies which
include monitoring, surprise inspections,
and paid citation tickets; bayanihan cleanup drives; and livelihood programs.
In Region 12, for Silway River, Matutum Meat
Packaging Corporation constructed a
Slope Protection Project or Grouted Riprap
on the flashflood affected area in Silway
8, Polomolok, South Cotabato. Moreover,
Mahintana Foundation implemented a
Riverbank and Gully Stabilization Project
with the following components: Risk
Mapping, Vegetation Enhancement, Flood
Control Structures, Alternative Livelihood
Assistance, BDRRMC Support, and an
Environmental Sanitation Campaign. At
least 4,488 square meters of earth-matting
from used fish nets were established in
five barangays. In addition, 144 Gabion
cages were established in two flood-prone
barangays of Polomolok covering at least
108 linear meters.
Solid waste management is in place, and
the information and education campaign
and community mobilization programs are
strengthened in CARAGA. A Warriors of
Waters Student Summit was also held, and
a Drainage Canal Clean-up at the Ochoa
Avenue and Resurrection Street in Butuan
City conducted. Cordillera Administrative
Region banked on the institutionalization
In addition to the assessment and review
of the regional implementation of the
Program, the workshop also aimed to
broaden the solid waste management
and the advocacy dimensions of
the
Program
through
community
engagements and planning sessions.
The national workshop also discussed
For more information on the Adopt-anEstero/Water Body Program, please
contact the Water Quality Management
Section at 9202273 or 9281214, or the
Environmental Education and Information
Division at 9284674 of the EMB Central
Office.
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Pasig City’s One Direction Towards a
“GREEN CITY”
From year 2002 to year 2008, before the
existence of the mandamus order of the
honourable Supreme Court, the City of
Pasig has shown its political will by removing
illegal structures and encroachments within
the legal easements of the Pasig River,
the Napindan River, the Marikina River
and various creeks within the territorial
jurisdiction of Pasig City.
After the successful removal of illegal
structures and the relocation of more than
2,000 Informal Settler Families (ISFs) from
Barangays Pineda and Bagong Ilog, the
only two barangays of the city situated
along the Pasig River and the putting up
of revetment wall and linear park, the City
Government next cleared the Napindan
River of informal settlements and likewise
constructed revetment walls and linear
parks in the recovered river easements
of the eight barangays situated thereat.
Hundreds of millions of pesos out of its own
funds were utilized by the City Government
for the construction of these infrastructure
and flood control projects.
The City of Pasig now commits to recover
the easements of Marikina River. At present
a total of 1,176 ISFs from the ten (10)
barangays of the city along the Marikina
River have been saved and relocated by
the City Government to its in-city and nearcity housing projects. Linear parks now
occupy the recovered easements, other
areas are fenced off while waiting for the
implementation of the PMRCIP III & IV of the
(DPWH).
With sincere and unwavering commitment
to help in the clean-up of the Manila Bay
and the rehabilitation of all the waterways
in the city, the City Government has now
started putting up revetment walls and
linear parks within the recovered 30 meter
easement and accretion of Marikina River
in Barangay Santolan. The 1st phase of the
project amounting to P113 million is now
nearing completion, while the final phase
is now in the pipeline. To make the water of
Marikina River flowing to its previous velocity
and capacity, the City Government has
started the dredging works ahead of the
dredging project of the DPWH.
The city will soon be repairing the three (3)
Ferry Stations along Marikina River situated
in Barangays Kapasigan, Maybunga and
Rosario to encourage boat operators to
service the route once the dredging works
make the river passable to the ferry boats.
As part of the “Green City Program” of the
City Government, after all the easement
recovery and engineering intervention
works have been completed, the city will
plant bamboos and other plants along
these waterways to prevent new entrants
and illegal structures.
The City of Pasig calls on the DILG, MMDA,
DPWH and other stakeholders to support its
Green City Program and to work together
to attain the very purpose of the ongoing
mandamus order of the honourable
Supreme Court. One direction towards a
green and healthy future!
Josenar F. Caparas, Pasig City Housing
and Special Projects Office
Ilog Natin
DENR-NCR is Manila Water’s
newest Toka Toka partner
The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources - National Capital
Region (DENR-NCR) became East Zone
concessionaire Manila Water’s newest
partner for its Toka Toka” program, the only
environmental movement in the Philippines
focused on used water management.
Manila Water East Zone Business Operations
Group Director Ferdinand Dela Cruz was
very excited to begin the partnership
with DENR-NCR as the advocacy marks
a new beginning for everyone to commit
to environmental sustainability. “This is a
further testament to the mounting support
that Manila Water gets not only from the
private sector but also from government
agencies,” Dela Cruz said, underscoring
the need to do something for the
environment, especially in the area of used
water management.
With the DENR-NCR as its latest partner,
Dela Cruz said Manila Water expecting
more local government units and
private companies to join the Toka Toka
bandwagon to create a bigger impact in
reviving our polluted river systems.
The signing of the Toka Toka Partnership
Seal between Manila Water and DENR-NCR
was attended by DENR officials headed
by NCR Regional Director Lourdes Wagan
together with DENR -Land Management
Services OIC Regional Technical Director
Arturo Fadriquela and EMB NCR Regional
Director Vizminda Osorio.
engagements with stakeholders.
Under the agreement, the DENR -NCR
committed
to
include
Toka
Toka
Information Education Campaign at the
monthly events of the Protected Area,
Wildlife and Coastal Zones Management
Sector-Manila Bay Coordinating Office
(PAWCZMS-MBCO).
The agency also committed to implement
a series of Toka Toka lectures for public
and private schools and “Tsikahan sa
Baranggay” to inform and educate
residents at the grassroots level.
Photo shows Manila Water East Zone Business
Operations Group Director Ferdinand Dela Cruz
(rightmost) joined by EMB NCR Regional Director
Vizminda Osorio (middle) together with DENR
NCR Regional Director Lourdes Wagan at the
recently-held Toka Toka partnership seal signing.
DENR-EMB NCR is one of the Toka Toka’s
first partners in 2012 with the agency
consistently promoting the program in its
Toka Toka has four “ownable” acts where
an individual or institution can contribute
as his or its “toka” (share) namely: proper
disposal of garbage; desludging of septic
tanks; connecting to Manila Water’s sewer
network; and supporting the company’s
community-based sanitation and usedwater projects.
The program’s ultimate goal is to ensure
cleaner and safer rivers in Metro Manila,
particularly the Marikina, Pasig and San
Juan rivers.Manila Water
Gov’t agencies join Manila Water’s Toka Toka campaign
Several government agencies which
included
the
Metropolitan
Manila
Development Authority (MMDA), the
(DPWH) and the Department of Interior
and Local Government (DILG) joined the
Toka Toka movement, Manila Water’s
environmental campaign focused solely
on reviving Metro Manila’s heavily polluted
rivers and waterways for the inter-agency
clean-up of Maricaban Creek in Pasay
City.
Dela Cruz said.
Maricaban Creek is among the 15 rivers
and creeks that the MMDA, DPWH and
the DILG have jointly committed to cleanup before the start of the rainy season to
prevent flooding especially in the low-lying
areas of Metro Manila.
Manila Water is the east concessionaire
of the Metropolitan Waterworks and
Sewerage System that provides water
and used water services to more than 6.3
million residents of parts of Quezon City
and Manila, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan,
Mandaluyong, Pateros, Makati, Taguig
and several towns in Rizal Province. Manila
Water
Manila Water East Zone Business Operations
Group Director Ferdinand Dela Cruz said
the company’s participation in the cleanup drive is part of its commitment to pioneer
efforts in addressing the moribund state of
the river systems in Metro Manila.
Now on its third year, “Toka Toka” was
primarily created with the objective of
informing, educating and communicating
to the general public the importance
of managing and treating used water
to abate the adverse effects on water
bodies particularly the three river systems
of Marikina, Pasig, and San Juan.
“We are truly grateful that MMDA, DILG
and DPWH have partnered with us in this
Toka Toka movement. We cannot do this
(river clean-up) alone as we have always
believed that everyone should really take
part and do his share in protecting our
environment to create a bigger impact,”
Toka Toka in Action. Photo shows Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Undersecretary and General
Manager Corazon Jimenez (third from left), Department of Public Works and Highway NCR Maintenance
– Assistant Division Chief Engr. Eduardo Santos (third from right) and Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) represented by NCR Focal Person for the Manila Bay Task Force Erwin Egamino
(first from right), together with Manila Water Group Directors, Ferdinand Dela Cruz (second from right)
heading the East Zone Business Operations and Corporate Strategic Affairs, Abelardo Basilio for Strategic
Asset Management (second from left) and Thomas Mattison (leftmost) for Project Delivery, during the interagency clean-up of Maricaban Creek in Pasay City. This is one of the “Toka Toka” projects committed by the
four agencies in support of the Supreme Court Mandamus to clean, rehabilitate and preserve the Manila
Bay. Photo by Manila Water
24
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Ilog Natin
G r een
I nitiative
For environment-friendly individuals and nature lovers, the following
beauty of nature around. Depending on the amount of rainfall
attractions are highly-recommended to remind everyone on the
and localized climate, the waterfalls may be a raging torrent or
importance of how to take care of our ecosystem in particular,
may be a trickle drop. Further up the river, you’ll find rapids that are
and environment in general.
really exciting to float through.
When you’re done, walk back out the way you came in.
Reminisced the amazing serenity of the falls, like you’re stepping
back in time.
TUKURAN FALLS
PINAMALAYAN, ORIENTAL MINDORO
Tukuran Falls is a hidden paradise tucked in the deepest part of the
jungle. To reach the fairly small waterfall, there are two choices:
MAESTRE DE CAMPO
trekking or buffalo cart. Whatever choice you will make, you will
SIBALE ISLAND, CONCEPCION, ROMBLON
pass through freshwater rivers approximately six times, as well as
thousands of tall coconut trees. There are tropical fruits along the
Maestre de Campo is a diminutive island in the northwest portion of
way such as lanzones, durian, caimito and duhat. Don’t be surprise
Romblon Province, approximately 20 miles east from Pinamalayan,
if you encounter native Mangyans along the way as they sell their
Oriental Mindoro. Geographically speaking, the island was once a
harvests to the lowlanders.
volcano but to date nowhere you will find evidence of volcanic
eruptions that happened in the distant past. The island is frequently
Upon reaching Tukuran Falls, take a deep breath and savor the
called as Maestro de Campo which is a misnomer. Maestro de
Campo refers to “Teacher of the Camp”, whereas Maestre de
SILONAY MANGROVE CONSERVATION AND
Ilog Natin
Campo is “Master of the Camp”. This island is popularly known
as Sibale Island, which came from the Spanish word “si belleza”
which means ‘yes! Beauty’.
The island comprises the sole municipality of Concepcion, Romblon
which has nine barangays. The island is mountainous and relies
heavily on coconut products, fishing and a small tourism industry
as a means of livelihood.
Tourists, local and foreign, come to Maestre de Campo for its
marvelously crystal clear water that surrounds the island and
bountiful coral reefs. Hiking the forest trails (Concepcion Forest
Park) is popular specially after reaching the grotto of Our Lady
of Lourdes. Paddling around the serene waters while watching
tortoises swim and observing the fauna of the mangrove forests
are the other exciting ventures that tourist can be an awe with.
ECO-TOURISM PARK
Maestre de Campo has several recognized dive sites (including
two enormous ship
Calapan, Oriental Mindoro
The Silonay Mangrove Conservation and Eco-Tourism Park is an
ecosystem based adaptation project under the partnership of the
local governments of Calapan City and the Province of Oriental
Mindoro Samahang Nagkakaisang Pamayanan ng Silonay and
the US-based Conservation International Philippines which involves
reforestation to protect village dwellers from storm surges, rise in
sea level and coastal erosion.
Conservation
International
came
and
helped
fund
the
development of the 42-hectare park which has a 300-meter
boardwalk for tourists and birdwatchers.
Visitors to the mangrove park are required to plant mangrove
seedlings as part and parcel of developing an affinity to the
community and to further enrich the wetland ecosystem. In
wrecks) and has a vast shoreline that offers superb snorkelling
addition to, people could do close to nature activities such as
experiences. A wide array of migratory and indigenous birds
kayaking, fishing and bird-watching which are all operated by the
frequented the island. Turtles and tortoises nest on some of the
Silonay group who is also engaged in the production of souvenirs
shores. The locals are peaceful, friendly, hospitable and delighted
and snack items for tourists.
to share their culinary dishes to their visitors.
The density of the mangrove forest have made it a sanctuary
Over a long time, the deep-sheltered and enclosed harbour of the
for fowls and birds. Among these are Asian glossy starling, black-
island has offered refuge to thousands of maritime vessels for the
naped oriole, clamorous reed warbler, Oriental magpie robin,
island is considered typhoon safe haven that can accommodate
Philippine nightjar, chestnut munia, golden bellied gerrygone, pied
large number of ships.
triller and white-collared kingfisher.
To get to Maestre de Campo or Sibale Island, one must first get
Also found in the area rare wildlife species such as long-tongued
to Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. To get to Pinamalayan: from
nectar bat, musky fruit bat and kaloula picta frog, as well as various
Manila take a bus going to Batangas port, which takes about 2
mangroves like River Poison Tree, Asiatic, Apple, Tall-Silted, Black
hours; upon reaching Batangas port, take a roro to Calapan City
Mangroves and Holly-Leaved Acanthus.
which is about 1 ½ hours; then from Calapan City to Pinamalayan will
take 2 hours via land transportation; from the port in Pinamalayan
The said mangrove colony helps enhance the marine biodiversity
to Maestre de Campo will take 2 ½ hours by boat ride.
of Oriental Mindoro by providing a spawning ground of fishes and
other aquatic organisms.
If you want to go island hopping, then asking a local to take you
and to be your guide is a good choice.
These three environmentallt significant green locations are the
primary and living testimonies that there are a lot of paradise
locations that our fellowmen in the urban areas should emulate.
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27
Ilog Natin
EFFECTIVE NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION:
A CONVEYANCE OF SYMBOLIC EXPRESSION
Non-verbal communication is the
manner of communication through
sending and receiving visual cues
among people. Sometimes it is referred
to as body language, use of voice,
touch, distance, physical environments,
appearance, informal space around the
body, the use of time and eye contact.
Furthermore, the study of non-verbal
communication focused more on
the interaction between and among
individuals, which can be categorized
into three main areas such as:
environmental
conditions
where
communication takes place, physical
characteristics of the communicators
and behaviors of communicators during
the interaction.
In addition to, non-verbal communication
involves the system of encoding and
decoding. Encoding is the act of getting
the information, whereas, decoding is
the interpretation of the information from
sensations of previous experiences.
Non-verbal communication can portray
a message verbally and with the correct
body signs. These bodily signs comprise
physical
features,
conscious
and
unconscious gestures and mediation
of personal space. The wrong message
can be instituted if the body language
conveyed does not match a verbal
message.
To further understand this, the following
are categories of non-verbal symbols for
everyday reference.
• BODY LANGUAGE – Body positioning
or bodily stance by individuals conveys
a variety of messages whether positive
or negative. Such posture can be used
to determine the degree of attention
or involvement, the difference of status
of communicators, and the extent of
fondness a person has for the other
communicator. A person who displays a
forward lean or decreases a backward
lean also signifies positive sentiment
during communication.
• VOCALICS – is the study of the nonverbal uses of the voice that indicate
emotion and provide cues as to how
the message should be interpreted. It
is otherwise known as paralanguage
including voice quality, rate, pitch,
volume,
speaking
style,
rhythm,
intonation, and stress.
Raising your pitch or tone to emphasize
a word. This changes the meaning of the
sentence.
• ARTIFACTICS – The study of clothing
is one of the most common forms
of non-verbal communication. The
kind of clothing that a person wears
conveys non-verbal clues about his
personality, background and financial
status. A person’s style of clothing can
demonstrate their culture, mood, level
of confidence, interest, age, authority,
values, beliefs and sexual identity. At the
same time, clothing can communicate
what nationality an individual or group
is, for instance, Japanese wear kimonos,
Scots wear kilts and Indian men wear
turbans.
Furthermore, clothing can be used as a
form of self-expression in which a person
can exhibit their power, wealth, sex
appeal, creativity and levels of sexual
hormones.
• KINESICS – was first used in 1952 by
an anthropologist that studied how
people communicate through posture,
gesture, stance and movement. Kinesic
messages comprise the posture, gaze
and facial movements.
 Drawing finger across your throat.
Time is up!
I’m going to cut his throat!
 Hand gesture
It’s okay.
Victory or peace.
 Smiling
• OCULESICS – is a communication
through the use of eyes and eye
movements. Eye contact or mutual
gaze is another form of non-verbal
communication. The duration of eye
contact is its most meaningful aspect.
The length of the gaze, the frequency
of glances, patterns of fixation, pupil
dilation and blink rate are all significant
cues in non-verbal communication.
 Wink
 Raised eyebrow
 Eavesdropping
“I didn’t say YOU were pretty!
• PROXEMICS – is a communication
through the use of space and distance.
Every person has a particular space
that they keep to themselves when
communicating. There are four types of
proxemics:
“I didn’t say you were PRETTY!
 Intimate distance – is being used
“I didn’t SAY you were pretty!
for close encounters like embracing,
touching, or whispering;
 Personal distance – is used for
interactions with close friends and family
members;
 Social distance – is an interaction
among acquaintances where there is no
physical contact;
 Public distance – is for strangers or
public speaking.
• HAPTICS – is a communication through
the use of the sense of touch or on how
people and other animals communicate
via touching. Touch is the earliest sense
to develop in fetus. Infants who can
perceive through touch, tend to fare
much better.
Touching among humans includes:
 Kissing
 Slap
 Handshake
 Holding hands
 Wrap arms
 Back slapping
 High Fives
 Pat on the shoulder
• CHRONEMICS – is a communication
through the use of time as an important
non-verbal sign
 Executive keeping time
 Calling off of meeting
• OBJECTICS – is a communication
through the use of physical objects
 Wedding ring (signifies being married)
 Badge (symbolizes being a police
officer)
 Stethoscope (symbolizes being a
medical practitioner)
 Briefcase (symbolizes
company executive)
being
a
So next time if you communicate and
convey messages, and be the recipient
of the same, be sure to take note and
be wary of the expressions and gestures
that you will act upon…
Ilog Natin
Promotion of Truth, Service and
Common Good for the People
Under Sec. 4 of R.A. 6713 otherwise
known as “The Code of Conduct and
Ethical Standards for Public Officials
and
Employees”,
all
government
officials shall at all times accountable
to the people and shall discharge their
duties namely:
1. Commit to public interest – must
uphold public interest over and above
personal
interest.
resources/funds
All
must
government
be
used
honestly, economically and avoid
wastage of public funds.
2. Professionalism – must perform and
discharge duties with the highest
degree of excellence, professionalism,
intelligence and skill.
3.
Justness
not
and
discriminate
especially
the
loyalty to persons or party.
—and, in most
times, admitting the
wrongs that I have caused—can
8. Simple living - shall lead modest
dissipate a lot of tensions.
lives appropriate to their positions
sincerity
against
poor
-
shall
anyone,
and
the
underprivileged; respect the rights of
and income. They shall not indulge in
From the contexts and experiences
extravagant or ostentatious display of
I have been exposed to, I think the
wealth in any form.
whole process of managing Pasig
River does not have an end point; it’s
SELF- REFLECTIONS
a cycle. And it should be a learning
What follows are random thoughts
process. Areas change, presidents and
and personal reflection in the context
other top management come and
order, public safety and public interest.
of working in PRRC over the last seven
go, demographics change, the values
years. These lessons, I learned in the
and assumptions of people change—
4. Political Neutrality- must provide
office, are teaching me a lot in my
sometimes the change is very slow,
personal life and in my work.
at other times it’s very abrupt and
others, and shall refrain from doing
acts contrary to law, good morals,
good customs, public policy, public
service to everyone without unfair
discrimination and regardless of party
disruptive, like in disasters; just like what
affiliation or preference.
The realization that improving Pasig
happened in Ondoy. These changes
River’s water quality requires a multi-
need to inform each policy cycle of
5. Responsiveness to the public -
faceted approach has translated
Pasig River management. Thus, each
on how I view and conduct my work
element in its management system—
adequate service to the public.
and responsibilities. The leadership
its process and tools—is expected
changes in the office that I have
also to change. But each cycle must
6. Nationalism and patriotism - shall at
experienced have taught me a lot.
improve the next one. It’s actually a
That each change in leadership brings
pursuit of continuing improvement
about new strategies and new ways of
towards sustainable development.
shall extend prompt, courteous, and
all times be loyal to the Republic and
to the Filipino people, promote the use
of locally produced goods, resources
looking at things. That being exposed
to different leadership qualities is very
I think that this belief must become a
instructive. As most of us would put it,
guiding principle in my own life. The
and people.
different folks different strokes. Some
belief of continuing improvement must
issues can be muddled by differences
translate to a firm commitment to be-
7. Commitment to democracy - shall
in arguments but I learned that listening
come a better person and account-
well, standing by my principles, giving
able to God. Merliza S. Bonga, PRRC
and
technology
and
encourage
appreciation and pride of country
at all times uphold the Constitution
and put loyalty to country above
my full loyalty, giving more of myself
Environmental Management Division
28
06
29
Ilog Natin
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF AN
“ESTERO MANAGER”
AS A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
Community organizing is widely recognized
as an honourable vocation. But what
do estero managers do as community
organizers? The brief answer is that they get
people to work together to solve their own
problems and change the community for
the better.
Some liken the role of an estero manager
to that of the coach of a basketball team,
in that it is the organizer’s job to get other
people to take the lead. Others say that
they build community with a purpose. Still
others define it as someone who “builds a
group of people or institutions to address
a common problem through collective
action”.
Estero managers build organizations that
maximize the power and participation
of their members. Their role is to see that
the people and structures are in place
to create coherence and integrity within
an organization. They are responsible
for expanding the membership base,
maintaining a focus on action, and
preserving
democratic,
participatory
structures and processes.
Estero managers listen to their members,
who know the community, and let people
go at their own pace while also helping
them develop the self-confidence to try
new things.
Estero managers are responsible for sharing
information and raising questions, options,
alternatives and problems that affect the
collective power the group can wield.
Estero managers work with, not for, the
community. They do their fair share of the
work, while also striving never to do for
others what they can do for themselves.
Estero managers identify and develop a
diverse group in the community who agree
to serve as the organization’s voice on a
variety of issues. Empowered individuals
speak for themselves.
Estero managers are attuned to the
power relationships and political agendas
surrounding an issue. A well-informed
estero manager should be able to analyse
the social, political and economic forces
that shapes the community in particular,
and the country in general. They develop
sound organizing strategies based on this
power analysis.
Estero managers develop leaders. They
seek to discover the skills, talents and
interests of current and potential leaders,
and encourage shared leadership. They
believe that everyone has the potential to
lead if given the opportunity.
An organizer’s role is to build public
relationships. This relationship is based on
the general needs of civic and community
life. The main instrument for building such
relationships is a face to face conversation.
The purpose of one-on-one conversation
is to build relationships and trust, discover
self-interests, identify skills and talents, and
move people to involvement.
Estero managers strive to be accountable
and hold others accountable in every
aspect of their job. Accountability means
people can count on one another to
keep commitments and agreements. They
create a culture that encourages people
to commit only to things they can really do,
and to know they are accountable for their
actions.
Majority of community organizing is followup. Follow-up means both keeping in touch
with people to get their jobs done, and
planning for the fact that a few people
won’t be able to complete their tasks.
Estero managers always make time for
follow-up.
Finally, an estero manager strives to reflect
on and improve their skills on an on-going
basis and develop a self-development
plan. Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
Another role is to work with people to
define problems and issues, and help them
think through the strategies and tactics
necessary to act with confidence and win.
One of the primary tools of estero manager
is an effective meeting. They should hold
meetings that are productive and focused.
They facilitate training and strategy sessions
when needed to help the community learn
the skills they need and build evaluations
Community Organizer Arturo Bacquizal leads the Ecological Solid Waste
Management. Photo by Gloria Niñofranco,PRRC
into all aspects of their work.
Community Organizer Elizabeth Mandap interact
with the kids of Estero de Pandacan. Photo by
Sofia Macaraja,PRRC
Community Organizer Jeremiah Anne Galvez facilitates a workshop for the
youth on the barangay along the esteros. Photo by Gloria Niñofranco,PRRC
Ilog Natin
What is
VETIVER GRASS?
Vetiver grass - Chrysopogon zizanioides - is a tropical clump grass
with origin in south India. It has the ability, when planted close
together in a line, to create a near perfect barrier that filters
out sediment, spreads rainwater, improves the shear strength
of soil, and recycles soil nutrients. Vetiver has a wide range of
applications, and the common domesticated cultivars used
around the world are non-invasive. The plant will virtually grow
anywhere except where the winter temperatures result in permafrost and summers are too mild. Thus, it main areas of growth are in
the tropics and semi tropics, Mediterranean climates, and in arid
regions (when there is available supplementary water). Its primary
uses are for soil and water conservation, soil fertility enhancement,
bio-engineeering, phytoremediation of contaminated land and
water, disaster mitigation, and a bi product supply for forage, fuel,
handicrafts, and perfumary. It also sequesters significant quantities
of atmospheric carbon.
In Thailand, vetiver grass can be found growing in a wide range
of area from highlands to lowlands in various soil conditions. The
species which is most common in Thailand is referred to in scientific
term as Vetiveria zizanioides. This species appears in a dense clump
and grows fast through tillering. The clump diameter is about 30
cm. and the height is 50-150 cm. The leaves are erect and rather
stiff with 75 cm. of length and 8 mm. of width.
If planted along contours across the slope, the clump which stands
above the ground will produce tillers, forming a green hedge. This
thus makes it capable of trapping crop residues and silts which are
eroded by runoff and enabling them to naturally form an earth
embankment. Since vetiver grass has a deep thick root system
which spreads vertically rather than horizontally, it can efficiently
endure harsh conditions. The roots densely bind together like an
underground curtain or wall enabling it to store water and moisture.
However, since the root system expands sideway up to only 50 cm.,
it imposes no obstacle to the nearby plants and is thus considered
an effective measure for soil and water conservation. Vetiver
hedgerows maintain soil moisture and soil surface and at the
same time, are suitable for cultivating along with economic crops.
Growing vetiver grass is simple, applicable and money-saving. The
practice can lead to the strengthening and sustainability of the
farming system in rainfed areas and can be applied in other areas
for preservation and conservation of natural resources such as
along the banks of the irrigation canals, reservoirs or ponds along
the road shoulders and the approach of a bridge, as well
What are the Uses of Vetiver Grass?
We can make use of every part of vetiver grass as follows:
Culm / Leaf
• trapping crop residues and silts eroded by runoff
• roof thatching
• as raw material for making paper
• making ropes, mats, hats, baskets etc.
• as animal fodder for sheep, cattle etc.
• mulching, covering the ground of animal stables
• as planting material for mushroom culture and for making
compost
• others
Roots
• absorbing water and maintaining soil moisture
• absorbing minerals and nutrients/decomposing as organic
matters, thus making the soil friable
• absorbing toxic substances in chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• improving the physical elements of the soil
• making screens, blinds, fans, handbags
• making herbs and skin care substances
•extracting volatile oils for making perfume and aromatic
ingredients in soaps
• as insect and rodent repellents
• others
Several aspects of vetiver make it an excellent erosion control
plant in warmer climates. Unlike most grasses, it does not form a
horizontal mat of roots; rather, the roots grow almost exclusively
downward, 2–4 m, which is deeper than some tree roots. This makes
vetiver an excellent stabilizing hedge for stream banks, terraces,
and rice paddies, and protects soil from sheet erosion. The roots
bind to the soil, therefore it cannot dislodge. Vetiver has also been
used to stabilize railway cuttings/embankments in geologically
challenging situations in an attempt to prevent mudslides and
rockfalls. The plant also penetrates and loosens compacted soils.
The Vetiver system, a technology of soil conservation and water
quality management, is based on the use of the vetiver plant.
A member of the PRRC River Patrol regularly inspects vetiver grass that
thrives in the esteros. Photo by Garry Ignacio,PRRC
(www.vetiver.org) Boots B. Nicolas, PRRC
07
30
31
Ilog Natin
SIMON I. AGUILON
LEAVING A LEGACY OF APOSTOLIC PUBLIC SERVICE
“Through prayers, one could strengthen our relationship with the Divine Providence, by
brotherhood we could fortify our relationship with our fellowmen, and through apostolate
we could show concern for others by practicing charitable actions”, thus perennially
uttered by outgoing Deputy Executive Director (DED) for Finance and Administration
Simon I. Aguilon everytime he set forth on stage to give inspiring remarks in front of
PRRC administration and personnel.
The mild-mannered DED, who hails from Bauan, Batangas, was born
on October 28, 1955. He finished Bachelor of Science in Commerce
major in Accounting at Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU) in 1984
and successfully hurdled the Board Examination for Certified Public
Accountants the following year. He was also conferred Master in
Business Administration (MBA) by the International Academy of
Management and Economics (IAME) in 2002.
Sir Simon’s entire career was devoted to government service. While studying,
he worked as an Accounting Clerk and Cash Clerk at the Office of the Municipal
Treasurer in Bongabong Oriental Mindoro from January 1979 – April 1981. But
much of his career was consecrated in the Bureau of Treasury where he first
served as an Accounting Clerk II in 1981; Accounting Clerk III from 1981 – 1984;
Supervising Accounting Clerk from 1984 – 1985; Accountant I in 1985; Accountant
II from 1985 – 1988; Chief Accountant IV from 1988 – 1989; Accountant III from
1989 – 1991; Supervising Financial Management Specialist from 1991 – 1993;
Chief Financial Management Specialist from 1993 – 1999; and Chief Treasury
Operations Officer II from 1999 – 2004.
He occupied the position of Deputy Executive Director III for Finance and
Administration at the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) from 2004
until his early retirement in mid 2014 that culminated his 35 years in the public
service.
Sir Simon’s career at PRRC was highlighted by the following:
•
Changes in accounting and auditing rules using the New Government
Accounting System;
•
Establishment of Provident Fund that will cater to PRRC employees; and
•
Innovations in the rules and policies of accounting and finance
Regarded as the “Apostolic Public Servant”, Sir Simon was raised by his parents
as a devout Catholic faithful. He made a covenant with the Lord when he was
made to replaced his father-in-law to be one of the apostles of Jesus Christ in the
washing of the feet during the Holy Week of 1987. From thereon, he continued his
apostolate and later became a lay minister in 1991 until now.
PRRC family will surely miss Sir Simon. His wits and jokes during flag ceremonies,
his punch lines for every funny stories and his biblical passages will forever
be imbedded in the hearts and minds of his colleagues in the service.
Bidding farewell, Sir Simon enunciated “Even though we’re apart or
together, we’ll always be brothers and sisters forever.”
Ilog Natin
June 26-27, 2014 – Participants of the Gender and Sensitivity Seminar Architect
Nelia De Castro, Noel Mirallosa and Chief Administrative Officer Lolita Historillo
discuss plans for the PRRC- Project Management Office to adhere with the Gender
and Development (GAD) Program of the Civil Service Commission.
PIAT Committee Chair MMDA GM Corazon Jimenez leads the prayer between
stations during the Visita Iglesia conducted alongside the trial run of the Pasig River
Bus Ferries.
Easement Recovery and Housing Resettlement (ERHR) Division Officer Ronald
Reyes guides the relocatees from Barangay Katipunan in Quezon City during a
preemptive evacuation activity at San Francisco River on May 28, 2014.
PRRC representatives; Executive Director Ronald Naguit, Ferry Operations
Manager Morena Oca, PIAT Division Head Amelita Gamay greet MMDA Chairman
Francis Tolentino during the launch of the re-operation of the Pasig River Ferry.
The re-operation of the Pasig River Ferry was spearheaded by Chairman Tolentino
to promote the Pasig River Ferry as an alternative mode of transportation amidst
the road traffic congestion. The management of the Pasig River Ferry is under the
tripartite partnership between the MMDA, PRRC, and DOTC.
Escolta Commercial Association, Inc. (ECAI) together with PRRC representatives
in a photo opportunity after the clean-up drive at Estero dela Reina in Manila.
Environmental Management Officer Neil Alqueza (in green) together with the River
Warriors participate in the waste segregation exercise during the Waste Analysis
and Characterization Study (WACS) Seminar conducted in partnership with Kapit
Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig and Asian Development Bank on July 8, 2014 at the La
Mesa Eco Park.
32
33
Ilog Natin
SIPATIN ang
mga SALITA
Ang mga sumusunod na salita ay mga programa, plano
at aktibidad ng Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission.
Bilugan ang mga sumusunod na salita na makikita sa loob
ng parihaba. Maaaring ito’y pahalang, pababa, pabalik o
pahilis.
LINEAR PARKS
RIPRAPING
DREDGING
HOUSING
PHYTOREMEDIATION
BIOREMEDIATION
ADVOCACY
INFORMATION
DESILTING
GREENING
TOURISM
VETIVER
*These are the answers
in the last issue.
Bioremediation
Bokashi
Havana
Mabuhay Balls
Ferry
Lambingan
Estero
Ilog Pasig
Aviles
Vargas
PAHALANG
PABABA
1 tosang
8 Administrative Division
9 P _ _ _ : information, advocacy & tourism
10 Engr. Francisco Vargas
Jr.
11 overtime
12 informal settler families
union
13 simbolo kemikal ng
magnesium
15 RO sa MIMAROPA
18 kataga
21 katulad ng 8 pahalang
22 simbolong musical
23 Bakawan Conservation
Park sa Mindoro
24 Office of the Executive
Secretary
1 estero sa Maynila
2 gabay ng bangka
3 katulad ng 21 pahalang
4 tagong talon sa Pinamalayan Mindoro
5 c _ _ e _: Ingles sa estero
6 Laguna Lake
7 M_ _ _ _ _ _ _: estero sa
San Juan-Mandaluyong
14 PRRC Chair Gina Lopez
16 official development
assistance
17 D _ _ _: Kagawaran ng
Paggawa
19 informal settlers
20 katulad ng 14 pababa
*Answers will be revealed in the next
issue
TUBIG NG ESTERO
Ilog Natin
Boots B. Nicolas
Umaga pa noon, sa may asotea ang nag-uulayaw
Ay dalawang sabik na magkasintahan,
May bango ang simoy ng hanging amihan,
Tubig ng estero’y may awit sa bangkang nagsisipagdaan
Lalaki’y umibis, at pamaya-maya sa may asotea,
Dalawang anino ay nagging iisa.
Ang buwa’y nagkubli. Ilang sandali pa…
Tubig ng estero’y hiniwa ng bangkang sa Pasig papunta.
“Di kaya totoong sa pinatunguhang malayong lupalop,
Ang iniwang sinta’y saglit mong nalimot?’
“Hindi kailanman,” ang masuyong sagot.
Aakalain ba noon gang umaga’y dilim ang kasunod?
May putok ng baril. Tubig ay natina ng dugong bayani.
May mga nabuwal sa dilim ng gabi.
Tubig ng estero ay hindi kumati,
Ngunit pinaitim naman sa lumipas ng basura’t dumi.
Lumatag ang gabi. Ang alpa’y napipi’t lungsod ay nahimbing.
Subalit sa parang namalaging gising
Ang layang nagpuyat at ayaw pasiil.
Mag-aalas-dose, sa pampang ay isang Bangka ang humimpil.
Wala na ang liryo; wala rin sa pampang ang damong malago.
Wala ang dalagang may tapis at panyo.
Wala ang amihan, ang mabangong samyo.
Ang narito’y tubig ng katotohanang hindi maitago.
ANG ALAMAT NG ILOG PASIG
Noong sinaunang panahon, may mag-asawang naninirahan sa
tabi ng ilog. Sila ay nabiyayaan ng isang anak na babae.
Tahimik at hindi palakibo ang bata. Paz ang ipinangalan sa kanya.
Dahil malayo sa paaralan ang kanilang kabahayan ay hindi na
nakapag-aral si Paz. Gayunman ay hindi ito nagging sagabal
upang lumabas ang katalinuhan ni Paz. Mahilig magbasa ng mga
aklat si Paz at ang kanyang mga magulang ang nagging guro
niya.
Lumaking isang maganda at marikit na dalaga si Paz. Maraming
kalalakihan ang nangiming manligaw sa kanya. Isa na rito si
Serafin, isang Kastilang binata. Hanggang ligaw-tingin lang ang
lalaki.
ito sa binata.
Minsan ay naisipang mamangka ng magkasintahan. Lingid sa
kanilang kaalaman ay naroon ang nagmamasid na si Serafin.
Sumunod ito sa kanila.
Matindi ang selos ng binatang Kastila kay Gerardo. Napilitan itong
sumakay rin ng bangka para masundan ang magkasintahan.
Hindi marunong sumagwan ng bangka si Serafin kaya
nagpagewang-gewang ang bangka nito. Tuluyang tumaob ang
bangka ng binata at nahulog ang lalaki sa tubig. Binalot ng takot
si Serafin. Paano ay hindi siya marunong lumangoy. Nagsisisigaw
ang binatang Kastila na humihingi ng tulong sa magkatipan.
Isang hapon, nagtatampisaw si Paz sa tabing-ilog ng may isang
lalaking naglakas-loob na magpakilala sa kanya.
May kalayuan na ang bangka nina Paz at Gerardo kaya hindi
agad natulungan si Serafin. Huli na ang lahat bago pa ito
malapitan ni Gerardo.
“Magandang hapon, magandang Binibini. Nais ko sanang
makipagkilala sa iyo. Ako si Gerardo, isang taga-Maynila,”
pagpapakilala ng lalaki.
“Paz sigue me! Paz si…” ang huling salitang namutawi sa mga labi
ng Kastila.
“Bakit naman hindi?” ang sagot ni Paz. “Ako nga pala si Paz.
Mutya ng Ilog Pasig ang tawag nila sa akin dito.”
Dahil likas na masayahin at palabiro ang binata ay mabilis silang
nagkasundo at nagkapalagayan ng loob. Ipinakilala ni Paz ang
binata sa mga magulang at agad namang humanga ang mga
Naapektuhan si Paz nang nangyari. Naging malungkutin siya.
Madalas niyang naalala ang binatang Kastila na nalunod habang
sinasambit ang kanyang pangalan. Bilang pag-aalala sa nalunod
na binata, ang ilog ay pinangalanan nilang Pasig, at si Paz ang
tinaguriang Mutya ng Pasig.
34

- Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission

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