- Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission

Transcription

The Official Newsletter of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission
Ilog Natin
What‘s in Here
EDITORIAL
Contents
BOARD
PRRC Events and Projects
Editorial Advisor
Regina Paz L. Lopez
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Managing Editor
Ronald A. Naguit, MNSA
Senior Editor
Ramil R. Tan
Helen Arlene P.Quililan
Editor-in-Chief
Amelita V. Gamay
Associate Editor-in-Chief
PRRC shares “Basura Kid’s” story at Galing Bulilit IV
DPWH, KBPIP, PRRC and the City of Manila unveil Estero de Uli-Uli Linear Park
Linear park opens along Pasig River tributary
PRRC reinforces its media campaign at PTV4’s RadyoBisyon Talakayan
PRRC and UE-Manila ink MOA
PRRC cites ‘Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog Pasig’ Award to notable individuals
during the kick-off of World Water Day 2015
PRRC supports ‘run for water and sustainable development’
Ariel Maralit is “Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog Pasig”
PRRC, KBPIP tour US Department of Treasury and ADB at Estero de Paco
PRRC backs NYC’s ‘In Her Shoes’ power walk
Estero de Binondo undergoing rehabilitation
The search is on for 2015 Munting Mutya ng Estero de Paco
Jericho Von I. Miranda
Jeffrey M. Facunla
Public Sector Partners
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Associate and Layout Editor
Therese S. Tanquintic
Head Writer
PH’s smallest lake revived for eco-tourism In Muntinlupa
UN commends PH for Climate Change effort
MMDA begins clean-up for rainy days
Private Sector Partners
Jeffrey M. Facunla
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Contributors
Czeriza Valencia, Philippine Star
Jonathan M. Hicap, Manila Bulletin
Anna Liza Vilas-Alavaren,
Manila Bulletin
Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR)
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
Arch. Melchor P. Oderon
Amelita V. Gamay
Engr. Reynaldo Ramos
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Eco-friendly laundry facility launched in Leyte
Maynilad, Manila Water plant mangroves to protect water supply
Features
A walkthrough to remember
Rehabilitation of Estero de Uli-Uli; A showcase of collaborative efforts
Ramil Tan and his thoughts on PRRC’s operations
MALUNGGAY, A Miracle Vegetable
From muck to park: Revival of QC creeks shows first results
Brazil scientists fear golden mussel threat to Amazon River
A Glimpse of the Pasig River Today
ERHR on easement and estate management
PRRC Operations Director on ‘Volunteerism and Environmental Awareness’ at
UE-Manila NSTP 15th Convocation
Photo Release
29-30
PRRC in Action
Cover Photo:
The cover photo shows the rehabilitated Estero de Uli-Uli with its Linear Park concrete
pavements, green landscapes and a bridge that connects the Barangays 639 and 640.
(JMFacunla, PRRC) Photo by Jelson Reginio, PRRC
January - March 2015 | Volume 3 | Issue 1
Ilog Natin
PRRC Information Officers Jericho Von Miranda and Angelita
Galano explained to kids the proper way of segregating and
disposing garbage. Photo by Ambrosio Binwag, PRRC
10-year old Kristine Dianne Lascano (left): “Gusto ko matuto
The Galing Bulilit IV participants ages six to twelve years old from barangay Plainview, ng mga bagay na hindi ko pa alam gaya ng tamang pagtatapon
Mandaluyong City. Photo by Ambrosio Binwag, PRRC
ng basura”. Photo by Ambrosio Binwag, PRRC
PRRC shares “Basura Kid’s” story at Galing Bulilit IV
T
he Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) shared
Basura Kid’s story at Galing Bulilit
IV on March 21, 2015, at The Atrium,
Executive Building of Mandaluyong City
Hall.
With focus on solid waste management
for kids ages six to twelve years old, Galing
Bulilit IV is the brainchild of Kagawad
Natasia Ysobel Bernardo of Barangay
Plainview, Mandaluyong City.
Kagawad Bernardo said series IV of Galing
Bulilit, which tackled Ecological Solid
Waste Management is very significant for
kids in barangay Plainview, Mandaluyong
because their place is prone to flooding.
According to her, the program aims to
equip them with the basic knowledge
“para matutong mapangalagaan ang
kapaligiran” in their own simple ways “na
hindi magtapon ng basura sa kalsada or
estero”.
For her part, Mandaluyong City Councilor
Charisse Abalos enthusiastically shared
her advocacy on trash segregation. “Sa
tao mismo dapat magumpisa ang lahat.
Dapat pulutin at itapon ang kalat sa
tamang basurahan”, she said.
PRRC’s Information Officer Angelita
Galano facilitated the story telling
about Basura Kid and emphasized the
importance of waste segregation and
proper waste disposal. Story Telling
for Kids is one of PRRC’s Information,
Education and Communication (IEC)
campaign programs to promote the
Commission’s goals to have a cleaner
and greener environment particularly
on taking care of the Pasig River and its
tributaries.
“Gusto ko matuto ng mga bagay na hindi
ko pa alam gaya ng tamang pagtatapon ng
basura”, said one of the participating kids,
10-year old Kristine Dianne Lascano, a
Grade IV pupil of Julo Elementary School.
“Huwag magtapon ng mga basura sa ilog.
Dapat matuto tayong magsegregate ng
basura”, Kristine said on what she learned
about Basura Kid.
Galing Bulilit IV, a tie up with PRRC,
the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) and Mandaluyong
City
Environmental
Management
Department is fourth of a series, which
has already tackled topics on proper
hygiene, disaster preparedness, and basic
nutrition. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Mandaluyong City Councilor Charisse Abalos (8th from left) and Barangay Kagawad of Plainview, Mandaluyong City Natasia Ysobel Bernardo (7th
from left), together with PRRC Information Officers Jericho Von Miranda (3rd from left); Angelita Galano (9th from left); and Jeffrey Facunla (2nd from
left). Also in photo are Bruce Binwag of PRRC (1st from left) and representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and
Mandaluyong City Environmental Management Department (EMD). Photo by Ambrosio Binwag, PRRC
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DPWH, KBPIP, PRRC and the City of Manila
unveil Estero de Uli-Uli Linear Park
I
nspired by the unprecedented successes of reviving and
revitalizing the esteros of the metropolis, the Department of
Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Kapit Bisig Para
sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) and the City of Manila joined the Pasig
River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in unveiling another
Linear Park in the heart of Manila on February 20, 2015. This
time the centerpiece is Estero de Uli-Uli Linear Park located at
JP. Laurel St., Brgy. 639 and 640, Malacañang Compound, San
Miguel, Manila.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, PRRC Chair
Regina Paz Lopez, DPWH Engr. Patrick Gatan Director
and representatives of the City Council of Manila headed by
Councilor Joel Par led the ribbon cutting and the unveiling of
the rehabilitated Estero de Uli-Uli marker.
With the DPWH’s funding of Php 21,090,977.43 for the
construction of linear park and dredging works, the 552-meter
stretch of Estero de Uli-Uli has undergone more than a major
facelift. For its part, KBPIP, the river-rehabilitation project of
ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., which aims to rehabilitate Metro
Manila’s waterways by focusing on the esteros (creek) funded
Php 307,384.12 for the restoration of walls affected by the project.
Manila City Councilor (6th District) Joel Par, DPWH Dir. Engr. Patrick
Gatan, Barangay 640 Chairman Lino Lim, Manila City Councilors (6TH
District) Leilani Lacuna and Elizabeth Rivera, PRRC Chair Regina
Paz Lopez, MMDA Chair Atty. Francis Tolentino and Barangay 639
Chairman Ronald Taray joined hands to symbolize unity and cooperation
during the inauguration of Estero De Uli-Uli. Photo by Toni Go, PRRC
A total of 34 and 59 Informal Settler Families (ISF) living along
the estero of barangays 639 and 640, respectively were relocated
to Brgy. Gaya-gaya, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. Far from its
decaying and dying condition, the Estero de Uli-Uli has been
revived and now, breathes a new life with its green landscapes,
cemented pavements, a reinforced bridge, and rubbish-free
waterway. The rehabilitated Estero de Uli-Uli is a reaffirmation
of PRRC’s strategy to address the pollution sources of the Pasig
River by cleaning the tributaries. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Ilog Natin
PRRC chairperson Regina Paz Lopez, together with Dir. Patrick
Gatan of the DPWH (first from left), MMDA Chairman Atty.
Francis Tolentino and Father Lino Nicasio, SVD of St. Jude Parish
while walking thru the Estero de Uli-Uli. Photo by Toni Go, PRRC
Before
PRRC Chairperson Regina Paz Lopez and DPWH Dir. Engr. Patrick
Gatan (2nd from left), together with the Councilors of the 6th District of
Manila Joel Par (first from left), Leilani Marie H. Lacuna (fourth from
left), Elizabeth Z. Rivera and Barangay 640 Chairman Lino Lim (third
from left), unveiled the marker of the renovated Estero de Uli-Uli. Photo
by Toni Go, PRRC
After
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Linear park opens along
Pasig River tributary
M
ANILA, Philippines - The newly constructed Pasong
Tamo Linear Park opened to the public on January 22,
2015 the first of several park development and bank
improvements to be made over the next years in three tributaries
of the Pasig River in Quezon City.
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), in
partnership with the local government of Quezon City,
inaugurated the 380-meter linear park built along the
2.4-kilometer Pasong Tamo Creek.
The paved linear park is adorned with landscaped indigenous
flowers and plants and fitted with park benches. At night, the
strip garden is lit by solar-powered lampposts.
Jericho Von Miranda, Communications Head of the PRRC said
the next two phases of development of the Pasong Tamo Creek
Linear Park would be carried out in the next few years.
“This will lead other projects in Pasig River tributaries here in
Quezon City,” he said.
Other than the Pasong Tamo Creek, two other tributaries of the
Pasig River in Quezon City would be cleaned and developed.
Similar linear parks, he said, would be constructed along Culiat
and San Francisco Rivers.
Dredging and desilting activities are now underway in the San
Francisco River near Araneta Avenue.
Before
Ilog Natin
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (fifth from left) and PRRC Chair Regina Paz Lopez (third
from left) posed for unity and cooperation for a greener and cleaner Pasong Tamo creek. Joining
them are (L-R) PRRC Deputy Executive Director for Operations Ramil Tan; Quezon City Vice
Mayor Joy Belmonte; and representatives of Barangay Bahay Toro led by Chairman Dennis A.
Caboboy. Photo by Ambrosio Binwag, PRRC
Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista (center) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the
inauguration on Jan. 22 of the Pasong Tamo Linear Park in Barangay Bahay Toro. He is joined
by Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte (leftmost) and Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission Chair Regina
Paz Lopez (second from left). Photo by Ambrosio Binwag, PRRC
The PRRC is an attached agency of the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) mandated to
transform Pasig River and its environs into clean and livable
communities.
The PRRC develops waterways in three stages: dredging and
desilting to gradually restoring the water quality in the Pasig
River and its tributaries into class-C level, the effluent standard
for maintaining aquatic life and recreational use such as boating.
The agency next conducts bank improvement to strengthen
creek and river banks and prevent erosion and flooding and,
lastly, linear park development to turn these tributaries into
leisure areas.
“But now we are focusing not only on the environs of the Pasig
River but on its tributaries as well,” said Miranda.
Solar Lamp Post
PRRC partnered in 2009 with Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig, the
river rehabilitation project of ABS-CBN Foundation to take on
the rehabilitation of several Pasig River tributaries.
Under this partnership, the rehabilitation of several metro
waterways has been undertaken. These include the Estero de
Paco, Estero de San Miguel, Estero de Aviles, Estero de Uli-Uli,
Estero de Quiapo and Estero de San Sebastian.
The PRRC has a budget of P48.56 million for the development of
the Pasong Tamo Creek Linear Park. Out of this allocation, only
P9.53 million has been used.
During the inauguration, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista
expressed continuous support for the development of Pasig River
tributaries in the city. (Czeriza Valencia, The Philippine Star)
After
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PRRC reinforces its media campaign at
PTV4’s RadyoBisyon Talakayan
PRRC Information Officer Jericho Von Miranda (left) with hosts Francis Cansino (right) and Vivienne Gulla (center) during the interview at the PTV4’s
RadyoBisyon Talakayan segment ‘Kalalagayan at Katatayuan ng Pasig River’ on March 4, 2015. Photo by Jeffrey Facunla, PRRC
T
rue to its commitment to
rehabilitate the Pasig River and
its tributaries, the Pasig River
Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC),
reinforces its media campaign at the
PTV4’s RadyoBisyon Talakayan segment
‘Kalalagayan at Katatayuan ng Pasig River’
on March 4, 2015.
Hosted by Francis Cansino and Vivienne
Gulla, PRRC’s Information Officer Jericho
Von Miranda answered questions about
PRRC’s programs and projects.
“Ang Pasig River ay maayos na lugar na.
Mayroon na itong Ferry System. May mga
lugar ng may atraksiyon gaya ng mga
fishing competitions”, enthused Miranda
when asked about the present condition
of the Pasig River.
According to Miranda, PRRC has sixteen
(16) on-going projects and thus far, the
commission has already rehabilitated five
(5) esteros in Manila and in Quezon City.
He also shared PRRC’s thrust on cleaning
the esteros to address pollution at source.
He said cleaning the esteros is also vital to
address perennial flooding especially in
low-lying areas.
Relevant to clearing the esteros from
obstructions, Miranda also discussed
concerns on relocating informal settler
families along the esteros to safer
homes. He said relocation sites must be
sustainable with at least the basic services
to prevent relocated families from coming
back to the esteros.
Miranda also tackled the commission’s
initiative to restore the river’s water
quality to Class C level, which is suitable
for recreation like boating and fishing.
Next, he also informed the viewers and
listeners about PRRC’s dredging and
desilting projects to maintain the Pasig
River’s navigable condition, which is
pivotal to the operation of the Pasig River
Ferry System.
The segment also touched on laws relevant
to PRRC’s mandate. Miranda averred that
the country has enough laws and that
what is important is implementation and
enforcement of these laws.
And, as to the responsiveness of industries
to the call for the preservation of the Pasig
River and its tributaries, Miranda said
the participation of water concessionaires
is crucial to ensure that used water are
treated before disposing to the Pasig River.
All these efforts will bring us closer to realizing the goals of PRRC, it just a matter of changing the mindset of the public
that it can be done for as long as everyone
does his or her share towards transforming the Pasig River and its environs into
a showcase of a new quality of urban life,
Miranda concluded. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Ilog Natin
PRRC and UE-Manila ink MOA
Freshwater Classification
and Usage
DENR Administrative Order 34
Class AA
T
Commission (PRRC) signed a
Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) with the University of the East
(UE)-Manila.
“
The higher the level of the
negative impacts of the poor
condition of the environment to the
residents, the stronger the reasons
for the immediate rehabilitation of
the esteros and the behoving call
for saving the dying Pasig River
“
PRRC Chair Regina Paz Lopez and UEManila President and Chief Academic
Officer
Dr.
Ester
Albano-Garcia
represented both organizations in signing
the MOA on January 24, 2015.
PRRC and UE-Manila both believe that
the purpose, objectives and significance
of the Program to be undertaken under
the agreement can contribute to the
sustainable rehabilitation of rivers and
other natural waterways as well as the
assessment of the social conditions of the
residents.
Under the MOA, PRRC shall provide not
only technical assistance but also Php
379,000.00 financial assistance to the
program, which will last for six months.
UE-Manila for its part shall conduct a
research.
Under the detailed research project
proposal annexed to the MOA, UEManila will conduct a study at the Estero
de Quiapo and Estero de San Sebastian,
located at the City of Manila. The
different barangays covered by the Estero
de Quiapo and Estero de San Sebastian
are the following: Barangay 383; Barangay
384; Barangay 385; Barangay 387;
Barangay 393, and Barangay 394.
Dr. Rogelio Espiritu of the Office of
Extension and Community Outreach
(OECO), UE-Manila has been designated
Program Leader to conduct a study on
‘The Social Conditions of the Residents
Along Estero de Quiapo and Estero de San
Sebastian: Basis for Formulation of Pasig
River and its Tributaries Rehabilitation
Program’.
The proposal stated that the study
endeavors to seek the level of effect of
those untreated waterways to the life and
to the social condition of the legitimate
residents of the different barangays along
the two esteros.
The propose study rationalized that
the findings are intended to provide
justification, support and bases for
formulation of necessary policies in the
continuous rehabilitation of the Pasig
River.
“The higher the level of the negative impacts
of the poor condition of the environment to
the residents, the stronger the reasons for
the immediate rehabilitation of the esteros
and the behoving call for saving the dying
Pasig River”, the proposal stated.
The proposal further stated thus,
“Consequently, the low level of the social
conditions of the people in terms of economy,
environment, health, peace and order, and
happiness which is affected by the low level
of condition of the environment in terms
of its cleanliness and accessibility to live
comfortably would also serve as significant
factors in formulating policies for the
rehabilitation of the Pasig River. All these
on the backdrop, the study is an utmost
imperative as it is expected to yield relevant
results that would uplift the awareness
of the people on their environmental and
social conditions.” (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Public Water Supply Class I.
This class is intended primarily
for water having watersheds
which are uninhabited and
otherwise
protected
and
which require only approved
disinfection in order to meet the
national Standards for Drinking
Water (NSDW) of the Philippines
Class A
Public Water Supply Class II.
For sources water supply that
will require complete treatment
(coagulation, sedimentation,
filtration and disinfection) in
order to meet the NSDW.
Class B
Recreational Water Class I.
For primary contact recreatioin
such as bathing, swimming,
skin diving, etc. (Particularly
those designated for tourism
purposes).
PRRC’s GOAL
Class C
Fishery
Water
for
the
propagation of fish and other
aquatic resources;
Recreational Water Class II for
secondary contact recreation
like boating; and
Industrial Water Supply Class
I for manufacturing processes
after treatment.
Class D
Industrial Water Supply Class
II for cooling purposes; water
is also suitable for agriculture,
irregation, livestock watering,
etc. Other inland waters, by
their quality, belong to this
classification as well.
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Ilog Natin
PRRC cites ‘Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog Pasig’
Award to notable individuals during the kick-off of
M
World Water Day 2015
arch 16 marked the kick-off
of World Water Day (WWD)
2015 as the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) and Maynilad co-presented
the ‘World Water Day 2015: Water and
Sustainable Development Awards’ at the
UP Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City.
With the subtheme ‘Championing Your
Cause by Recognizing Your Champions’, the
award aims to recognize top performing
individuals, organizations and influencers
for various efforts that help address
water issues and/or promote sustainable
development in the Philippines.
For its part, the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) with the mandate
to rehabilitate the Pasig River and its
tributaries, cited three distinguished
individuals as ‘Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog
Pasig’. PRRC honoured Tadeo M. Palma,
Quezon City Secretary to the Mayor; Engr.
Ignacio R. Almira, Jr. Chief, Land Surveys
Division, DENR-National Capital Region;
and Ariel Maralit, Head, Easement
Recovery, Housing and Resettlement
(ERHR) Division, PRRC.
The Commission recognized Palma’s role
in the effective resettlement of informal
settler families (ISFs) living along the
waterways to decent and socialized incity and off-city relocation sites and the
recovery of the legal easement from both
private and informal settlements which
paved the way for the development of
the Pasong Tamo Creek Linear Park at
Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City and
the commencement of the development
of the linear park and revetment walls
along San Francisco River at Barangays
Talayan and Mariblo.
Engr. Almira was honoured for his
efforts as “chief surveyor” for PRRC’s
easement recovery program. His office’s
establishment of the legal easement along
the waterways prompted private property
owners to correct the mistakes made in
building structures which had encroached
the waterway easement which in turn
made easement recovery less complicated.
PRRC awarded Maralit for effectively
accelerating the relocation of over three
thousand ISFs in just two years and
in reclaiming easements from over a
hundred privately-owned properties
Three distinguished individuals who bagged PRRC’s ‘Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog Pasig’
Award. (L-R): Tadeo Palma, Quezon City Secretary to the Mayor represented by Ed
Galino (left) Head, Quezon City Community Development Program; Engr. Ignacio
R. Almira, Jr. Chief, Land Surveys Division, DENR-NCR and Ariel Maralit, Head of
Easement Recovery, Housing and Resettlement, PRRC. Photos by Jelson Reginio, PRRC
without expropriation funds, which the
Commission considered milestones for
a coordinating agency with limited
capacities such as the PRRC.
The contributions of PRRC’s
awardees
helped
the
Commission
fast
track
easement
recovery
program as well as the
development of these
recovered easements
to linear parks,
greenbelts
and
walkways
along
Estero de San
Miguel; Estero de
Uli-Uli; Estero de
Valencia; Estero
de
Sampaloc;
Pasong
Tamo
Creek,
and
many
more
creeks and rivers
in Metropolitan
Manila. (JMFacunla,
PRRC)
Ilog Natin
PRRC supports ‘run for water
and sustainable development’
B
elieving the significance of World Water Day (WWD),
the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
supported the World Water Day Philippines 2015 by
joining the fun run organized by Maynilad.
Complex, Pasay City to finish the 21k stretch of Roxas boulevard
while some settled for the minimum 1-kilometer and 3-kilometer
distance.
With the theme, ‘Let’s run for water and sustainable
development,’ one hundred fifty (150) participants from
PRRC showed their support to the event held last
March 22, 2015.
According to UN Water—the inter-agency coordination
mechanism for freshwater and sanitation—WWD is a day to
celebrate water; a day to make a difference for the members of
the global community who suffer from water related issues; and,
a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future.
The fun run coincided with the celebration of
World Water Day held in March every year.
Throng of participants troop to the CCP
This year’s WWD theme, ‘Water and Sustainable Development’,
is about how water links to all areas we need to consider to create
the future we want. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
PRRC Information Officer Angelita Galano (left) Lira Canals and Planning Divisin Head Engr.
Reynaldo Ramos had a treat of sumba after running the 3km stretch of the CCP Complex.
Photos by Jelson Reginio, PRRC
PRRC Personnel were among the thousands who
participated in the fun run.
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11
Ariel Maralit is
“Huwarang Alagad ng Ilog Pasig”
Ariel P. Maralit
PRRC Easement Recovery, Housing and Resettlement (ERHR) Head
“
I
did not expect to be cited as ‘Huwarang
Alagad ng Ilog Pasig”, enthused
Ariel Maralit when asked about his
thoughts about the accolade the Pasig
River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
conferred upon him at the recently
concluded World Water Day 2015 Water
and Sustainable Development Awards:
Championing Your Cause by Recognizing
Your Champions on March 16, 2015 at the
UP Bahay ng Alumni, Quezon City.
According to him, it is very difficult to
pinpoint who would best personify the
ideals of the award. “There are many
individuals and sectors who are working
to rehabilitate the Pasig River”, Maralit
explained.
Maralit said it’s humbling to be considered
an honouree more so, it’s the first time
that the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) and
Maynilad have recognized top performing
individuals, organizations and influencers
for various efforts that help address
water issues and/or promote sustainable
development in the Philippines.
Maralit and co-awardees Tadeo M. Palma,
Quezon City Secretary to the Mayor and
Engr. Ignacio R. Almira, Jr. Chief, Land
Surveys Division, DENR-National Capital
Region received the award during the
ceremonial rites.
Maralit noted the award should be shared
by the entire PRRC as a Commission with
the mandate to rehabilitate the Pasig River
and its tributaries. According to him,
this is the fruit of PRRC’s hard work and
the collaborative efforts with the Local
Interagency Committee (LIAC) “para
maisulong ang adhikain ng Komisyon. Isa
lang ako sa mga naging kasangkapan para
maabot ito.”
“We should not focus on the awardee but
rather on what the awardee represents.
Perhaps, I represent the majority of those
who wish to have a better Pasig River”, he
added.
When asked about the factors that may
have been considered for his receiving the
award, Maralit remarked there is nothing
unique about the Easement Recovery,
Housing and Resettlement (ERHR), the
division he heads. “Hindi kailangang
maging matalino or henyo para magawa
and aming trabaho sa ERHR division. It’s
about our dedication and our intensified
efforts to fulfill our tasks”, he added.
Photo by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
Maralit was instrumental in facilitating
the relocation of over three thousand
ISFs in over two years and in reclaiming
easements from private-owned properties
without expropriation funds, which the
Commission considered milestones
for a coordinating agency with limited
capacities.
“I thank our PRRC chairperson Gina
Lopez for giving me the opportunity to be
a contributor to those ideals that are geared
towards the rehabilitation of the Pasig River
and its tributaries”, he said.
Maralit is upbeat in saying about PRRC’s
indelible imprint for the Philippines and
the world to see: “Kaya nating linisin
at pangalagaan ang ating mga ilog at
estero”. “If we can do it in Manila, we can
also do it in the entire country. It’s about
shaping a better future for the Philippines,
environmentally and economically”, he
added.
Maralit also spoke about a legacy where he
said, “binabago natin ang ating pananaw
sa ating mga ilog at esteros hoping that
the benefits will transcend to future
generations”.(JMFacunla, PRRC)
“We should not focus on the
awardee but rather on what the
awardee represents. Perhaps, I
represent the majority of those who
wish to have a better Pasig River”,
Photo by Jelson Reginio, PRRC
Ilog Natin
PRRC, KBPIP tour
US Department of Treasury
and ADB at Estero de Paco
The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), led by its
Executive Director Ronald Naguit and the Kapit Bisig Para Sa
Ilog Pasig (KBPIP) Project Director Michael Rubio toured key
officials of the US Treasury and the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) at Estero de Paco on March 2, 2015.
Estero de Paco used to be inhabited by more than a thousand
families of illegal settlers and was clogged with tons of garbage
from residents of the estero and nearby communities until its
full rehabilitation in 2013. It is now the model for all other
rehabilitation projects for other creeks connected to the Pasig
River.
Present during the tour were Marisa Lago, Assistant Secretary
for International Markets and Development, US Department of
Treasury; Ben Cushman, U.S. Treasury Attaché for Southeast
Asia; Halliday Hart, Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director in
ADB; and Javier Coloma Brotons, ADB Urban Development
Specialist Water Supply and Sanitation.
The US Department of Treasury and the ADB officials were
in the country to see the progress and development of PRRC’s
rehabilitation of the Pasig River and its tributaries. They were
also here to meet the River Warriors and the communities along
the esteros. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
(L-R) U.S. Treasury Attaché for Southeast Asia Ben Cushman (leftmost); ADB
Urban Development Specialist Water Supply and Sanitation Javier Coloma Brotons
(2nd from left); Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director in ADB Halliday Hart
(in black); and Marisa Lago (6th from left), Assistant Secretary for International
Markets and Development, US Department of the Treasury together with the PRRC
River Warriors. Photo by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
PRRC Executive Director Ronald Naguit (leftmost) led the walkthrough along Estero
de Paco. With him were U.S. Treasury Attaché for Southeast Asia Ben Cushman
(2nd from left); Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director in ADB Halliday Hart (3rd
from left); Marisa Lago (4th from left), Assistant Secretary for International Markets
and Development, US Department of the Treasury; and ADB Urban Development
Specialist Water Supply and Sanitation Javier Coloma Brotons (rightmost). Photo
by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
(L-R) ADB Urban Development Specialist Water Supply and Sanitation Javier
Coloma Brotons; Marisa Lago, Assistant Secretary for International Markets and
Development, US Department of the Treasury; U.S. Treasury Attaché for Southeast
Asia Ben Cushman; Advisor to the U.S. Executive Director in ADB Halliday Hart
while checking a portion of Estero de Paco. Photo by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
12
13
Ilog Natin
T
PRRC backs NYC’s
‘In Her Shoes’ power walk
he Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
supported ‘In her Shoes: Building New Consciousness on
Filipino Women (in) Power Walk last 06 March 2015.
knowledge in science, technology, culture and the arts and, as
wielders of power to engage, contribute, and make decisions in
governance and nation-building.
This was in response to National Youth Commission’s (NYC)
call on all male government employees and youth volunteers to
be in heels for a nationwide rally in celebration of the Filipino
Women’s Power.
The male employees who joined the power walk were from
the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA), Philippine Navy, Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority (MMDA), ILS-DOLE, Philippine Air Force (PAF),
Philippine Maritime Academy, and Polytechnic University of the
Philippines (PUP).
Starting at nine in the morning, NYC chair Gio Tingson and
Commissioner Dingdong Dantes wore high heels and led the
power walk alon Quezon Avenue from Banawe, Quezon Ave to
Welcome Rotonda, Quezon City.
The power walk was about celebrating the Filipino Women’s
power. NYC believes on women’s capacity as creators of
With the goal to rebuild public consciousness to openly embrace
women’s power, the activity was held simultaneously in NCR,
Baguio, Cebu, and Davao City. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Photos by Jeffrey Facunla, PRRC
March 6, 2015—IN HER SHOES: All but heels for
these gentlemen of the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) during the ‘In her Shoes:
Building New Consciousness on Filipino Women
(in) Power Walk’ along Quezon Ave. An initiative
by the National Youth Commission (NYC), the
power walk was in conjunction with the celebration
of the Women’s Month. Upperleft photo shows
PRRC’s Paulo Capuli (leftmost); Arturo Baquizal
(center); and Erickson Sayson (rightmost) of
PRRC. Left photo shows NYC chair Gio Tingson
(in dark blue shirt) and Commissioner Dingdong
Dantes (in red shirt) wearing lady’s high heels as
they led the power walk.
Ilog Natin
PH’s smallest lake revived for
eco-tourism In Muntinlupa
LAKE SEEDING - Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi (extreme right) joins (from left) Councilor Louisito Arciaga, Assistant Laguna Lake
Development Authority General Manager Maristel Espiritu, Bureau of Corrections Officer-in-Charge Supt. Richard Schwarzkopf, Lake Management
Office Chief Ting Niefes, and Representative Rodolfo Biazon in placing 30,000 tilapia and 10,000 ayungin fingerlings in Jamboree Lake, New Bilibid
Prison Reservation. The local government is reviving the Philippines’ smallest lake, turning it into the next tourism destination in southern Metro Manila.
T
he Philippines’ smallest lake is undergoing rehabilitation
to showcase its marine life and become the next tourist
destination in southern Metro Manila.
Jamboree Lake, located in the New Bilibid Prison reservation in
Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City, is now home to 30,000
tilapia and 10,000 ayungin fingerlings after Mayor Jaime Fresnedi
led lake seeding efforts last week.
The city’s Lake Management Office previously conducted a water
quality test in the lake and placed a set of koi fish, among other
marine species.
The City Architect’s Office and Engineering Department is taking
care of landscaping to beautify the lake’s surrounding areas.
Assistant Laguna Lake Development Authority General
Manager Maristel Espiritu and Bureau of Corrections officer-incharge Supt. Richard Schwarzkopf lauded the city government’s
program in bringing the lake back to life.
Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon assured the mayor of his
continued support in developing and protecting one of
Muntinlupa’s prized gems. (Jonathan M. Hicap, Manila Bulletin
February 12, 2015)
14
Ilog Natin
15
Estero de Binondo undergoing
rehabilitation
Development of Estero de Valencia-Package 2, Estero de Sampaloc-Package 2 started
Existing
T
“
he Binondo creek…plays, as do all rivers in Manila, the
multiple roles of bathing place, drainage and sewerage,
laundering area, fishing ground, means of transport and
communication, and even source of potable water”. That’s how
Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal described Estero de
Binondo in his book Noli Me Tangere.
Estero de Binondo, one of six major tributaries of Pasig River,
is undergoing development with the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) at the forefront as it fulfills the core of its
mandate—that is to rehabilitate the Pasig River and its tributaries.
PRRC’s Project Development Officer Faheem Uddin Agha said
PRRC started the development of Estero de Binondo on January
12, 2015 and thus far, fifteen percent has been completed and
expected to be fully accomplished within 150 calendar days or
on June 12, 2015—the target date for the inauguration of Estero
de Binondo.
According to Agha, PRRC will once again replicate its successes
in rehabilitating esteros back to life with this nine hundred forty
(940) linear meter stretch of Estero de Binondo.
With Php 9.76 million budget, the Estero de Binondo’s 3-meter
easement on both sides (300 meters on the right bank and 640
Proposed Design
meter on the left bank) will be transformed into Linear Park with
concrete walkways, green landscape, solar lamps and metal fence.
While there are no Informal Settler Families (ISF) affected,
there are high rise buildings, apartment, business establishment
such as warehouses in the area which supported the project and
complied accordingly with the 3-meter legal easement.
Agha also said PRRC is aggressive in completing other projects
that are already in the pipeline including Estero de ValenciaPackage 2 and Estero de Sampaloc-Package 2.
Estero de Valencia-Package 2, which is already in the bidding
process, is expected to be finished in June this year while Estero
de Sampaloc-Package 2, which is now in the design process, is
expected to be completed in October also, this year.
Agha said PRRC is optimistic that all the projects being
undertaken will meet the timetables especially with the active
involvement of national agencies such as the Metro Manila
Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH), and the Local Government Unit of the
City of Manila. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Ilog Natin
The search is on for 2015 Munting
Mutya ng Estero de Paco
A
ng pagsasapraktika ng pagbubukod bukod ng basura at
pagpapanatili ng kalinisan at kaayusan ng komunidad
ang pangunahing layunin ng patimpalak”, said Kapit
Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), as they announced their project
aptly dubbed, ‘The Search for 2015 Munting Mutya ng Estero de
Paco’.
“
“Ang layunin ng patimpalak ay upang tumaas ang kamalayan
at lumahok ang komunidad sa wastong pamamahala ng basura
mula sa kanilang kabahayan at paglahok ng komunidad sa mga
proyekto para sa mas mabilis na paglinis ng Estero de Paco”,
KBPIP added.
KBPIP strongly believes that Barangay officials play an important
role in the realization of the aims of the search. “Ang mga opisyal
ng Barangay ang isa sa maaaring humikayat sa komunidad na
suportahan ang kandidata sa pamamagitan ng pagbubukod ng
mga nareresiklong gamit o bagay na kadalasan ay napupunta sa
basurahan.”
“Ang mga nareresiklong gamit o bagay ang isa sa mga pamantayan
sa pagpili sa magwawagi”, said KBPIP.
The target participants are the fourteen (14) barangays along
Estero de Paco where each barangay can field 1-2 candidates ages
4-10 years old and legitimate residents of the barangay. Far from
the traditional beauty pageants, 50% of the candidates’ points will
come from the amount of recyclables that they are able to collect
instead of the usual collection of cash as votes for the candidates.
Munting Mutya candidates will have two months to collect a
sufficient amount of recyclables from April 01-May 24, 2015.
The chosen finalists will be given another 2 weeks to collect and
submit more recyclables. Participating barangays should conduct
clean up activity in their respective barangay.
Winners will be crowned on June 21, 2015 with titles ‘Munting
Mutya ng Estero de Paco’; ‘Munting Mutya ng Malinis na Hangin’;
and ‘Munting Mutya ng Malinis na Paligid’. Aside from being
featured in ABS-CBN’s Mutya ng Masa, they will also receive
trophies and scholarship from Systems Technology Institute
(STI). (JMFacunla, PRRC)
Pandin Lake’s bucolic setting adorned by its unspoiled water and verdant landscape is a constant attraction for nature lovers. Photo by Engr. Reynaldo
P. Ramos, PRRC
PRRC joins Pandin
Lake Tour
Bay through Prinsa River. It has total area of 24.15ha and a total
perimeter of 1.91km. The average depth of the lake is 33.39m,
with a maxim depth of 62.8m. (Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, PRRC)
A
s part of the World Water Day 2015 celebration, the Pasig
River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) and other
government partner agencies joined the Pandin Lake
Tour in San Pablo, Laguna last 17 March 2015.
Spearheaded by the Public Information Unit of the Laguna Lake
Development Authority (LLDA), the tour was organized to
highlight the unique role of women in lake management as well
as to solicit support from various agencies and organizations to
make the implementation of the Pandin Lake Development and
Management Plan (PLDMP) a successful endeavour.
PLDMP was formulated in 2014 in recognition of the need to
mobilize all the stakeholders for a sustained and concerted effort
at conserving, protecting and restoring the lake’s vital resources.
Pandin Lake is being characterized as one of the most pristine
water body among the seven crater lakes in the city of San Pablo.
The lake has no inlet while its outlet drains water to the Laguna de
(L-R): PRRC Planning Head, Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos; Deputy Executive
Director for Operations Ramil R. Tan; Ms. Airene Margarette B. Lozada
of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Laguna
Lake Development Authority (LLDA) General Manager, Secretary
Nereus Acosta.
16
Ilog Natin
UN COMMENDS PH FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE EFFORT
T
he United Nations has acknowledged the efforts of the
Philippine government to address climate change.
In a bilateral meeting held Friday,
February 27, 2015 at the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) in Quezon City, Environment
Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje discussed
with UN Environment Program (UNEP)
Executive Director Achim Steiner the
various programs being implemented
by the agency to increase the country’s
natural defenses and resiliency.
Steiner applauded the leadership of the
Philippines within the climate change
convention and the innovation it has
demonstrated at the national level.
“Ahead of the Call to Action, we are
already doing our share to address climate
change. The directive of President Aquino
is to improve our natural defenses and
to significantly increase the resiliency of
communities,” Paje said.
He cited the National Greening Program,
log ban in natural forests, geohazard
assessment and mapping program and
clean air as among the priority programs
being implemented by the DENR to
mitigate the impact of climate change.
Steiner, accompanied by UNEP Regional
Director and Representative for Asia and
the Pacific Kaveh Zahedi, met with DENR
officials to discuss potential cooperation
on renewable energy and climate change.
According to Paje, the UN official also
expressed hope the Philippines will be
“
The Minamata
Convention is a worthy
cause and it calls for
leadership, so that it does
not linger in the
drawers of international
conventions,
“
17
among the first 50 countries to ratify the
Minamata Convention and give it the
legal identity it needs in order to become
effective.
According to the environment chief,
there are currently seven projects being
implemented by the DENR funded by
UNEP. These projects include invasive
species management, monitoring of
persistent organic pollutants or POPs,
implementation of the strategic action
programme for the marine and coastal
environment of the South China Sea,
ozone depleting substance (ODS) and the
HCFC Phaseout Management Plan.
Other areas of cooperation discussed by
the two officials were on the following:
“The Minamata Convention is a worthy
cause and it calls for leadership, so
that it does not linger in the drawers of
international conventions” Paje quoted
Steiner as saying.
• Support to the Philippines to increase
investment
in
renewable
energy
and energy efficiency, including the
development and implementation of
green energy policies;
The Minamata Convention was signed
by Paje, who was given full powers by
President Aquino to sign the treaty
on behalf of the Philippines, during a
conference organized by the UNEP in
Kumamoto City, Japan, on October 10,
2013.
• Work together on the valuation and
integrated management of ecosystems,
including through the Wealth Accounting
and Valuation of Ecosystems Services
(WAVES) program as well as work in the
marine and coastal ecosystems through
the Coral Triangle and other programs;
The pact will take effect 90 days after
ratification by at least 50 countries.
• Strengthen collaboration between
UNEP and the Philippines, including
scaling up joint work under the Global
Environmental Fund 6 cycle; and
Paje likewise offered for a potential
presence of UNEP in the Philippines
as a way to reciprocate the UN agency’s
continuing commitment in providing
support to various environmental
programs and projects.
• Strategic partnerships to help support
the broader ASEAN region in partnership
with the Philippines. (www.denr.gov.ph)
Ilog Natin
MMDA begins clean-up for
rainy days
T
aking advantage of the dry
season, the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA)
will start its three in one cleanup operation
tomorrow until July 11 to help local
officials and the public declog waterways
and drainage systems, clean roadways,
marketplaces, and other public places in
the metropolis.
Simultaneously, at least 400 workers of
the MMDA will conduct “Estero Blitz”
program which involves the dredging of
esteros and creeks; “Linis Palengke” that
promotes cleanliness, order, and effective
solid waste management in public markets
and “Lingap sa Barangay” with MMDA
personnel going to different barangays to
assist in massive cleanup drives to mitigate
flooding.
Flood control, public safety and
environmental, roadside and clearing
personnel with cleaning materials and
heavy machinery, will form part of the
team that will be deployed on the agency’s
first target on Tuesday in Tondo, Manila.
“We will clear two heavily silted esteros per
day, plus we will focus on inner waterways
which have not yet been attended,” said
Emma Quimbao, director of the MMDA
flood control and sewerage management
office.
MMDA personnel armed with rakes,
cutters, bolos will be deployed at 4 a.m.
Backhoes, manlifters, dump trucks will
also be brought to the area early so as not
to contribute in the morning rush hour
traffic.
Defogging and misting operations are
also part of the cleanup program to help
eliminate mosquito-breeding grounds.
There will also be pruning of trees.
A seminar centered on improving the
health and sanitation of the public
markets will also be conducted. (Anna Liza
Vilas-Alavaren, Manila Bulletin February 15,
2015)
Eco-friendly laundry
facility launched in Leyte
T
he barangay of Union Coastal
in Mayorga, Leyte, is the first
community to benefit from an
environment-friendly laundry facility
launched by Surf Philippines.
On Jan. 22, Unilever Philippines, through
one of its brands, Surf, turned over to
the community its pilot project, the Surf
Labahan station. The 200-square meter
facility features a water filtration system,
a laundry area made of foot pavers made
from recycled Surf sachets, and a roof
designed to catch rainwater. In addition,
the water filtration system’s pump is solarpowered.
The pilot project is part of Unilever’s
Sustainable Living Program, the company’s
blueprint for sustainable growth launched
in 2010. The laundry facility is the
company’s way of contributing to water
sustainability and conservation efforts.
Maynilad,
Manila
Water plant
mangroves to
protect water
supply
M
aynilad Water Services Inc.
(Maynilad)
and
Manila
Water Co., the privatewater contractor of the Metropolitan
Waterworks and Sewerage System
servicing Metro Manila’s West Zone
and East Zone, respectively, continue to
implement programs geared toward the
protection of the environment.
Since 2013 Maynilad had so far planted
35,000 mangrove propagules in the areas
around the Cancao-Bacoor Bays, which
forms part of Manila Bay under its “Plant
for Life” multisite reforestation and
afforestation program.
The program aims to arrest the
environmental degradation threatening
the reliability and quality of water supply
in Luzon.
The Labahan station is a combination
of their design and existing water
purification technologies.
With this
technology, the filtration features a twostage process: the first part filters visible
particles such as gravel, sand and soil,
while the second stage filters ceramic and
chemical particles.
Maynilad has been tapping volunteers
from public and private organizations, and
local communities for the rehabilitation
of mangrove areas in the cities of Bacoor
and Cavite, and the municipalities of
Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in the Cavite
province.
The newly launched facility will be a big
help to their community since they will be
able to use clean water for their laundry
needs. Prior to the launch of the facility,
their barangay had been using poso or
deep well pumps, which she says do
not have a regular supply and produces
yellowish water.
Ricky Vargas, president and CEO of
Maynilad, said, “Mangroves are essential
in protecting shorelines and can serve as
a barrier for storm surges. Rehabilitating
mangrove forests is an important part of
our carbon sequestration program because
they absorb up to three to five times the
amount of carbon into the soil compared to
other forest types.”
With the facility, the community is able
to help conserve water by 700 washloads
a day. The facility’s tank can hold up to
6,000 liters which is equivalent to nine
washloads a day. (JMF—Excerpted from The
Aside from reducing carbon in the
atmosphere, mangroves are also known to
host biodiversity by proving food for fish
and sanctuaries for birds and fish. (JMF—
Daily Tribune’s article written by Kathleen A.
Llemit, 26 January 2015)
Excerpted from www.businessmirror.com.ph)
18
19
Ilog Natin
Photos by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
A ‘walkthrough’ to remember
By: Jeffrey M. Facunla, PRRC
P
Estero de Aviles, Estero de Uli-Uli, Estero
de San Miguel, Estero de Magdalena,
Estero de La Reina, Estero de San Lazaro,
and Estero de Binondo.
“Understanding and appreciating the
mandate of PRRC is crucial before one
could understand his reason for being with
PRRC. One practical way to do it is thru the
walkthrough. It is a good way to immerse
oneself with and to set expectations about
PRRC,” enthused Deputy Executive
Director for Operation Tan as he briefed
the team prior to the walkthrough.
Off to our destinations, the van served as
a mobile meeting room where Tan shared
his passion about cleaning the Pasig River
and its tributaries. He also shared his
high hopes about PRRC’s achieving its
missions and goals. Occasional traffic
did not bore us as he continued educating
us about the people living along the
esteros, who must have the right kind of
attitude and appreciation of the impact
of PRRC’s projects to their lives. Tan also
imparted the importance of informing
communities about PRRC’s intensive and
extensive preparations before and after
rehabilitating the esteros.
RRC Operations Team had a
walkthrough last February 26,
2015. PRRC Deputy Executive
Director Ramil Tan, together with Head
of Easement, Recovery, Housing and
Resettlement Ariel Maralit, Information
Officers Von Miranda and Andy Galano,
led the team. This time they were joined
by the newbies from the different divisions
of PRRC, including this writer.
The walkthrough is conducted weekly
to visit the Pasig River and its esteros.
Its objectives are for PRRC to monitor
the status of its ongoing projects and to
observe the present conditions of the
rehabilitated esteros. From there, PRRC
could detect potential problems and
address existing ones. Tan explained that
the ‘walkthrough’ is a continuing activity
to reinforce PRRC’s given mandate to
clean and to take care of the Pasig River
and its esteros.
The itinerary for the day was to visit the
Pasong Tamo Creek, San Francisco River,
Estero de Sampaloc, Estero de Valencia,
Estero de Aviles
As we reached each destination, this
writer took down notes on the ‘model
estero’—Estero de Aviles. Here, River
Warriors were doing their routine task
of maintaining the cleanliness and
the greening of the linear landscapes.
Noteworthy are the residents who have
maintained their gardens no matter how
small they maybe. The principles of
‘Tapat ko linis ko, hardin ko aalagaan ko’
seem to have ingrained so deeply into the
consciousness of residents in Estero de
Aviles.
Some esteros like the Estero de Sampaloc
however, still require some form of
stronger encouragement for the residents
to appreciate the benefits of showing
deeper concern and commitment to take
care of the environment, especially that
portion where their families live and the
surrounding areas near the estero where
their children play. While it may not be a
remote possibility, the sense of ownership
and responsibility is a concern needing
immediate attention.
This writer believes that PRRC programs
must strengthen communities’ awareness
and participation.
The government
spent millions to clear the esteros from
obstructions and to fortify riverbanks for
their safety, to clean the esteros for their
health and, in short, for their general
wellbeing. They must realize the value
and the impact of these initiatives to their
lives. The collective responsibility of the
leaders and the communities living in the
esteros is crucial to the success of cleaning
the Pasig River and its esteros.
Ilog Natin
Rehabilitation of Estero de Uli-Uli:
A showcase of collaborative efforts
Ngayon, maganda na at
“
walang mga basura dahil wala ng
“
nagtatapon dito. Naging disiplinado
ang mga tao ngayon sa amin
Aguida Savellana of Barangay 639
Photo by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
Photo by Gloria Niñofranco, PRRC
D
ati binabaha rito. Maraming basura. Ang mga nakatira
ay walang paki alam sa pagtatapon ng kanilang mga
basura”, that is how Aling Aguida Savellana would recall
the deplorable condition of barangay 639 before the Estero de
Uli-Uli was rehabilitated.
“
At 79, Aling Aguida, who has been living in their barangay
for a very long time, is amazed at how Estero de Uli-Uli was
transformed to become habitable community.
“Ngayon,
maganda na at walang mga basura dahil wala ng nagtatapon dito.
Naging disiplinado ang mga tao ngayon sa amin”, she adds while
pointing to the estero. Aling Aguida also felt very appreciative of the green landscapes
and the newly painted houses along the 3-meter easement
of the estero. “Madami mga squatters dito dati”, she averred,
referring to 34 and 59 informal settlers families living along the
esteros in Barangays 639 and 640, respectively. “Pero narelocate
na sila sa barangay Gaya-gaya, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
Ngayon, nakakakilos at nakakahinga na kami ng maluwag”, she
added. These were her impressions as she eagerly awaited the
inauguration of the rehabilitated Estero de Uli-Uli on February
20, 2015.
According to Aling Aguida, she is privileged to have live long
enough to witness how her home for 79 years has changed into a
community beaming with hope.
Cleared from obstructions, the 552-meter stretch of Estero
de Uli-Uli now boasts a linear park—with all its cemented
pavements, plants on concreted pots, and metal-fenced alleys.
Thanks to the joint efforts of the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC), the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP)
and the City Government of Manila.
This partnership is a showcase of what PRRC Chair Regina
Paz Lopez described as fruitful collaboration among different
government agencies, local government units, people’s
organizations, and the communities becoming ONE TEAM,
working together.
“Gawing paraiso and estero”, said Chair Lopez as she
encouraged the residents of Barangay 639 and 640 to take care
of their environment. “The path to wealth is to take care of the
environment. Don’t give up hoping”, were the words of Lopez
during the inaugural rites at the Estero de Uli-Uli.
For his part, MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino said the
rehabilitation of Estero de Uli-Uli is a story of success because
all the stakeholders did his share in reviving the ailing estero
while DPWH Engr. Patrick Gatan said that it is very important
to address pollution at source.
Barangays 639 and 640, through their respective barangay
chairmen, Lino Lim and Ronald Taray promised to maintain the
cleanliness of the Estero de Uli-Uli.
20
21
Ilog Natin
Gusto ko sa operation
“masaya
ang lahat ng tao.
“
Ramil R. Tan
Masaya ang tao kapag tinapik
mo dahil may ginawang
maganda at lalo siyang gagawa
ng mas maganda pa
PRRC Deputy Executive Director for Operations
RAMIL TAN AND HIS THOUGHTS
ON PRRC’S OPERATIONS
T
“
Commission (PRRC) is not just a
regular government office, it has
socio economic implications”, enthused
Ramil Tan, when this writer asked him
about his thoughts on managing PRRC’s
operations.
Tan, PRRC’s newly appointed Deputy
Executive Director for Operations, brings
with him 20 years of extensive experience
focusing in organizational operations,
business and community relations,
business development, consultancies and
legal and administration from various
corporate entities in the Philippines and
abroad.
Starting as a Legal Officer for Philippine
Trust Company (PHILTRUST BANK),
Tan earned his way up the corporate
ladder by sheer hard work and
determination. He worked as Property
Manager for Solariega; compliance officer
for a Singaporean company, Performance
Foreign Exchange Corp (PFEC);
School administrator of the American
Hospitality Academy in the Philippines;
Vice President for Administration of the
ABP-Bicolnon; Executive Director, Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer
of the ATI Group of Companies. Tan
practically travelled the world when he
joined Horizons International Network
(Canada) as Legal Officer to the Middle
East with assignments covering Dubai,
United Arab Emirates, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada and as Legal and HRD Officer
of the TFI Group of Companies in San
Francisco, California, USA.
Early in his public service career, Tan
served as a Municipal Government
Department Head of the Municipality
of Torrijos, Marinduque. He was also
Political Consultant of the Kingmakers
Group. He is known in his hometown as
one who is passionate about fulfilling his
civic duties by organizing cooperatives,
which he believes will bring about positive
change in his townfolks’ lives. Here, Tan
was Managing Director for Samahang
Maghahabi ng Bolo, Inc. and Director
for Torrijos Loomweavers MPCI, both in
Torrijos, Marinduque.
Tan earned his AB Economics and
Political Science from St. Joseph’s College,
Quezon City as a state scholar. Thereafter,
he studied Law in San Sebastian College-
Recoletos, Manila where he was a Dean’s
Lister and Chairman of the Student
Electoral Board. He has Certificate in
Local Legislative Development from the
National College of Public Administration
(NCPAG), University of the Philippines in
Diliman, Quezon City.
His strong desire to work for institutions
that provide direct and positive impact
to people attracted Tan to further pursue
public service and so, he found himself
joining PRRC in July of 2014 as Legal
Officer/Head Formal Structures-Manila.
Challenges and Opportunities
Tan shared to this writer his view on
how to approach the challenges and
opportunities facing the Commission’s
operations. According to him, the primary
consideration is practical management—
that is managing on the concept of what
is the best and the most practical way
to do the right things the right way. He
believes that it must be right because the
Commission must be compliant with
the rules and regulations and it must
consider the stakeholders attached to the
agency. “It must be right because PRRC
must consider the dynamics of government
agencies interconnected to provide a full
operational system for the Commission”,
Tan explained.
Mandate to clean up the Pasig River
Elaborating on PRRC’s mandate to clean
up the Pasig River, Tan feels that cleaning
the Pasig River is no easy task. Cleaning it
is not the end all and be all of it. “We have
to look at the details not only as to how
effective is the relocation of informal settler
families but also of the river development
and the advocacy programs for the
communities,” he said.
More than this, Tan opines that PRRC
must also focus on values formation,
otherwise the Commission’s endeavours
will be futile. “Until such time that we are
able to inculcate in the hearts and minds of
the community the value of the things that
we are doing, the worth of the rivers to their
lives and to their communities, our labours
will fall into naught,” said Tan.
Clearing of esteros of informal sector
“Ang paglusong sa estero ay hindi simpleng
bagay”, said Tan when asked about his
thoughts on clearing the esteros from
informal settler families. According to
him, PRRC has perfected the pre relocation
aspect but not the post relocation. “Ililipat
natin yung mga tao pero sa paglilipatan
wala namang kuryente, walang tubig,
walang kabuhayan. Babalik at babalik sila
sa ilog. So we must understand not just
the physical dwelling. Ano ba mayroon sa
estero bakit sila bumabalik? Anu naman
ang wala sa relocation sites at umaalis sila
doon?”, asked Tan.
“Kapag naresolve mo ung mga detalyeng
ito, maaring hindi na sila bumalik sa mga
estero. Iba yung nagsasabi ka ng pagbabago
ng kultura kaysa sa inintindi mo kung ano
ang wala and then try to compensate kung
ano ang wala. Kung hindi mo man kaya,
kaya ng ibang ahensiya dahil ung weakness
mo ma-strengthen naman nila”, Tan
further explained.
Clearing of esteros of formal structure
“May batas na yung easement dapat ay 3
meters kung nasa estero, 10 meters kung
nasa navigable river, pero sinasabi din ng
batas, ‘no person shall be deprive of life
liberty or property without due process of
law’. So you cannot just remove formal
settlement without due process. Due
process means at least just compensation”,
Tan clarifies. With the parameters of
limitations, you cannot impose deadlines
when to demolish. The thrust is not to
implement a project without a clear right
of way, explained Tan. “I can only commit
that I can clean the right of way kung
merong monetary value na pwede kung
ibayad assuming na yung tao ay nag-refuse
na magpagiba because it is his right. So,
if we have set the parameters on the rights
of the informal why not with the formal
settlers?
Balancing Act
It is a matter of striking a balance between
the settlers’—formal and informal—rights
and the enforcement of laws on the other.
Here, Tan explained the need to intensify
coordination with the allied agencies in
the implementation of dredging works
to rehabilitation, to embankment, to
development of linear parks and finally,
to the institutionalization of the program
transfer to get the people’s commitment.
“Hence, PRRC’s programs such as ‘Tapat
Ko, Linis Ko’ and ‘Hardin Ko, Aalagaan Ko’
are all geared towards making our efforts
more appreciable because sustainable,” he
stressed.
Ilog Natin
him, the barangays must be apprised not
only of the extent of PRRC’s endeavors, the
developments that have been undertaken,
but most importantly, the impact the
project provides to the barangays and the
benefits these barangays may derive from
the project.
Likewise critical is the aspect of
maintaining and sustaining these
projects. Another challenge is on how
to communicate these successes so that
the benefits will trickle down to as many
beneficiaries as possible.
Tan on motivation and success
One might wonder how Tan motivates
people. Here, he declared: “Gusto ko
sa operation masaya ang lahat ng tao.
Masaya ang tao kapag tinapik mo dahil
may ginawang maganda at lalo siyang
gagawa ng mas maganda pa”.
Parameters of Limitations
Tan also tackled matters on how to
improve PRRC’s operational capabilities.
Here, he identified certain parameters.
First, he considered the stem of the
mandate of the Commission. Second,
the parameter of limitations. Third, the
power to coordinate with agencies that
have strengths to perform those functions
which the Commission lacks. And, lastly,
community-based program.
Tan averred that PRRC as a mere
coordinating agency can only do so
much to clean the river. It has no teeth
to implement everything. “But if you
were able to consider your parameters
of limitations you would be able to also
identify your strength and your value to the
interagency council attached to the agency
that has strengths and from there you are
able to create a powerful team”, he added.
Community Participation
Tan stressed that PRRC programs
must be community-based-centered in
such a way that these programs would
generate the much needed participation
of communities to be able to achieve a
synergized and dynamic cycle of cohesive
collaborations of government, the
communities, the stakeholders, relevant
institutions and personalities concerned.
Tan looks at a two-pronged approach
to intensify community participation—
that is by way of providing a transfer
to and acceptance by a particular local
government like a barangay. According to
PRRC inspects one of the illegal structures in
Barangay 432 in Estero de Samaloc during the
walkthrough. Photo by Jericho Von Miranda,
PRRC
And, what about his formula for success?
“Gusto ko ang ginagawa ko hindi dahil
napakagaling ko kundi dahil siguro gusto ko
at masaya ako sa ginagawa ko at sa tingin
ko tama naman ang ginagawa ko. Feeling
ko nagagawa ko ng tama dahil masasaya
naman ang mga taong nakakasama ko.”
22
23
Ilog Natin
MALUNGGAY,
A Miracle Vegetable
(Scientific Name: Moringa Oleifera)
By: Amelita V. Gamay, PRRC
M
alunggay is usually found in
backyards of most Filipino
homes. “ Known as miracle
vegetable or nature’s medicine cabinet by
scientists and health care workers from
around the world, Malunggay is loaded
with vitamins and minerals that can be
an effective remedy against many kinds of
ailments,” according to the House Bill 2072
or Act Declaring Malunggay (Moringa
Oleifera) as the National Vegetable of the
Philippines and the Month of November
of every year as the National Malunggay
Month.
Malunggay may be propagated by planting
its seeds about an inch in the ground or
matured Malunggay stem cuttings of
about 3 feet in length may also be planted
into the ground. Planted Malunggay
cuttings grow faster compared to planted
seeds.
Malunggay is a popular plant known
for nutritional value as well as a herbal
medicine. Malunggay is a plant that
grows in the tropical climates such as the
Philippines, India and Africa. Malunggay
is widely used as vegetable ingredient in
cooking, as herbal medicine for a number
of illness and other practical uses. The
Malunggay plant can grow to as high as
9 meters with erect white trunks. The
compound leaf has about 3 to 9 leaflets.
Malunggay has white fragrant flowers that
produce long pods with 3-angled winged
seeds.
The Malunggay pods are the most
valued and widely used part of the plant.
Malunggay pods contain essential amino
acids, vitamins and other nutrients.
Malunggay pods may be eaten raw or
may be prepared or cooked. Malunggay
pods may be fried and may produce clear,
odorless and sweet oil mostly called - Ben
Oil.
Also known as: “Malunggáy” in
Philippines, “Sajina” in India, “Shojne”
in Bengal, “Munagakaya” in Telugu,
“Shenano” in
Rajasthani, “Shevaga”
in
Marathi, “Nuggekai” in Kannada,
“Drumstick Tree,Horse Radish Tree, Ben
Oil Tree” in English, “La mu” in Chinese.
Malunggay as food. Malunggay pods may
be eaten raw or may also be fried with
peanut similar taste. Malunggay leaves
and flower may also be cooked together
with other vegetables and meat to form
soups or viands.
Malunggay leaves may be eaten as greens,
in salads and as vegetable ingredients
for soups and other tropical viands.
Malunggay flowers are cooked and eaten
either mixed with other foods or fried in
butter.
Malungay as Herbal Medicine
Malunggay has been used as herbal
medicine in many cultures for hundreds
of years. Malunggay is known as a very
nutritious plant where it is used to combat
malnutrition in third world countries
especially for infants and nursing mothers.
Medical Uses of Malunggay
Malunggay is used to combat malnutrition,
especially among infants and nursing
mothers. It is rich in vitamins A, B and C,
calcium, iron and protein.
Anti-infectious / Anti-bacterial / AntiFungal. In late 1940’s, the Department
of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute
of Science in Bangalore (PLN Rao) have
found that Malunggay leaves contain
a compound “pterygospermin” that is
known in medical science as having
antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-fungal
properties.
Anti-Cancer. Malunggay has been
shown in studies to have an anti-tumor
capacity. Malunggay contains benzyl
isothiocyanate. There are many studies
that have shown this chemical and
Ilog Natin
compounds derived thereof to have anticancer and chemoprotective capabilities.
This chemoprotective aspect is critical
for those who are battling cancer. This
helps strengthen cells so that they can
tolerate chemotherapy. Malunggay is also
considered in the treatment of prostate
cancer and skin cancer.
Anti-inflammatory. Malunggay has
been found to inhibit inflammation in a
controlled scientific study conducted by
Philippine DOST Scientists (Amelia P.
Guevara, Carolyn Vargas and Milagros
Uy). When an aqueous seed extract of
Malunggay has been administered to a
carrageenan induced inflammation, it was
noted that the aqueous seed extract of the
Malunggay inhibited the development
of oedema in rat paw. The Malunggay
is traditionally used to prevent and
treat inflammations associated with
rheumatism, arthritis and joint pains.
Reproductive Health. Malunggay is
widely believed to have an aphrodisiac
action that enhances the sexual activity.
Malunggay young leaves are also widely
used to increase the flow of milk for
lactating mothers.
Malunggay Herbal Medicine Preparation
Malunggay decoction for washing sores
and wounds, Boil Malunggay roots and
let it cool to tolerable warm temperature
and use it to wash wounds and sores. By
gargling the Malunggay decoction, it may
also be used to wash mouth sores and sore
throats.
Malunggay
poultice.
Grounded
Malunggay seeds, leaves and bark may be
applied topically as poultice onto swollen
flesh to relieve inflammation.
early people from Egypt. Malunggay oil
also known as Ben oil is widely used as
oil base for perfumes and cosmetics. The
oil is extracted from Malunggay seeds by
pressing.
Malunggay Herbal Medicine Precautions,
Side Effects
Although Malunggay consumption is
generally accepted as safe, according to
Indian traditional usage, Malunggay may
have an abortificient effects.
References:
Lira Dalangin-Fernandez,
InterAksyon.com, Fuglie LJ (2000) New Uses
of Moringa Studied in Nicaragua.
ECHO Development Notes #68, June, 2000.
Ref: Nath D, N Sethi, et al. (1997) Survey on
indigenous medicinal plants used for abortion
in some districts of Uttar Pradesh. Fitoterapia
68(3): 223-225,
www.medicalhealthguide.com
Malunggay oil may be taken internally
as mixed with food. It is known to be a
powerful antioxidant even used by the
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25
Ilog Natin
From muck to park:
Revival of QC creeks shows first results
E
fforts to clean up the Pasig River
and its tributaries are finally
transforming squalid waterways
in Quezon City into inviting stretches of
greenery.
An example is Pasong Tamo Creek which
now has a linear park defining its banks
where residents can take a leisurely stroll,
something that was virtually impossible if
not a risky thing to do two years ago.
The
Pasig
River
Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) formally unveiled
on January 22 the urban renewal
projects for the creek, the first of three
waterways in Quezon City that are up for
redevelopment.
The other two are the San Francisco River
and Culiat creek. All three are connected
to San Juan River, which in turn flows into
the Pasig River.
PRRC Executive Director Ronald Naguit
said the 380-meter linear park is just the
first part of the P48.5-million makeover
planned for the 2.4-kilometer Pasong
Tamo creek, which runs along TeresaFullon-San Miguel Village in Barangay
Bahay Toro.
The park took two years to finish as
the work also involved dredging and
landscaping, all costing about P9.5
million, Naguit said.
But the toughest challenge was clearing
the three-meter easement set by the
government along the banks and
“recovering” this no-build zone from
both informal settlers and encroaching
property owners, a task that required help
from the local government.
Barangay Bahay Toro Chair Dennis
Caboboy said around 200 informal
settler families in his village alone had to
relocated to Cavite and Bulacan province.
Always needing rescue
We told them that the area (where they
lived) is a danger zone and that their
relocation is for the sake of their families,”
Caboboy said in an interview. “We used to
rescue them every time there was a storm
as it took only minutes for the creek to
overflow.”
The waterway was hardly inviting
before the Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission stepped in.
Equally challenging was convincing
private lot owners to allow the
redevelopment to take up portions of their
properties. “We explained that it’s not just
going to be a park: It will serve as a sort
of service road that will enable us to clean
the creek (regularly). We couldn’t access this
area before,” the official pointed out.
The residents are expected to have a higher
appreciation for the work and funding
that went into these improvements, as
well as develop a sense of responsibility to
keep them from going to waste, Caboboy
said. “We now have more open spaces for
recreation that are aesthetically pleasing. It’s
cleaner, safer, and for everybody’s benefit.”
In remarks made during the inauguration
of the park, Quezon City Mayor Herbert
Bautista noted that the Department of
Justice (DOJ) played an important role
in addressing the right-of-way issues that
cropped up, especially those involving
“private encroachers.”
“The DOJ should be involved from the
beginning. So even if the [property owners]
sue us, the Supreme Court itself can issue
(an order) against them,” the mayor noted.
“That’s why the city government is confident
in cleaning up and recovering our creeks,”
he said.
(source http://newsinfo.inquirer.net)
Ilog Natin
Brazil scientists fear golden mussel threat to Amazon River
R
IO DE JANEIRO — The world’s
mightiest waterway, the Amazon
River, is threatened by the most
diminutive of foes — a tiny mussel
invading from China.
The golden mussel has claimed new
territory at alarming speeds, plowing
through indigenous flora and fauna as
it has spread to waters in five countries.
Now, scientists fear the invasive species
could make a jump into the Amazon,
threatening one of the world’s unique
ecological systems.
In this Jan. 29, 2015 photo, Brazilian
researcher Marcela Uliano da Silva
tweezes a golden mussel out of its shell
at the Carlos Chagas Filho Biophysics
Institute, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Golden
mussels are filter-feeders, sucking in
water and filtering out plankton and other
microscopic bits of plant and animal life.
Their proliferation can alter phosphorous
and nitrogen levels in the water, producing
blooms of toxic algae that can be deadly to
aquatic creatures and humans.
The golden mussel, which commonly
grows to no more than an inch in length, is
a hardy breeder, reproducing nine months
a year by releasing clouds of microscopic
larvae that float with the current to new
territories. They attach to hard surfaces
like river bedrock, stones, man-made
structures and even each other, forming
large reef-like structures.
They have devastated native clam species
by attaching themselves onto the local
mollusks, sealing them shut. Their ability
to clog pipes has forced operators of
hydroelectric and water treatment plants in
Sao Paulo state, Buenos Aires, Argentina,
and elsewhere to spend millions of dollars
annually to clear them out with chemical
drips or shut down turbines to scrape out
giant mussel formations.
Brazil’s government has been working
to stop the golden mussel’s progress
for a decade, requiring ships headed
to Brazilian ports to stop at least 200
miles off the coast and empty the ballast
waters while far at sea. One of Brazil’s
top experts on the mussel, a 27-year-old
doctoral student at the Federal University
of Rio de Janeiro, believes she may have
another solution: mapping the mussel’s
genome and engineering a virus or other
“bio bullet” that could render the species
infertile. The idea is similar to efforts to
combat dengue-transmitting mosquitoes
by making them sterile. (JMFacunla—
Excerpted from:
February 5, 2015)
AP/Manila
Bulletin,
A Glimpse of the Pasig River Today
By: Arch. Melchor P. Oderon,
S
ERENE, calm and captivating. Peaceful yet ever challenging…
Just a mere glimpse of our waterways today – with linear parks that are onset for construction in 2015 such as the Estero de
Valencia Linear Park Package 2; Estero de Sampaloc Linear Park Package 2 both located in the City of Manila and the Poblacion
Linear Park Package 2 located in the City of Makati along the Pasig River, made me find the answer why man, after he had achieved
tremendous progress, has to go back to his mother nature. It’s such a feeling of freedom, of courage and passion that cannot be fully
explained! And, it leaves me overwhelmed! Sanctified! Yielding to let the feeling out!
It’s a complete contrast between the “concrete jungle” and a spacious park…the former means survival of the fittest. With its noise
and pollution, crime and disorder, pressure and hypocrisy, makes a mule not a man. The other taught me to submit: Something the
city taught me superficially!
And with another look, there’s completeness inside of me. A sigh of relief…As if the time has stopped running out! Then I wondered,
have I found a sanctuary at last?
26
27
Ilog Natin
ERHR on easement and estate
management
I
t is not uncommon sight how formal and informal settlers
have been blatantly encroaching 3-meter legal easement
along the waterways in the country. How should the Pasig
River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), with the mandate to
rehabilitate the Pasig River and its tributaries take back and then
develop them into linear parks? This brings to the fore PRRC’s
Easement Recovery, Housing and Resettlement (ERHR) division.
Ariel Maralit, head of PRRC’s ERHR said his division’s mandate is
to recover and clear the easement of all the impediments because
they are hindrances to waterways, which is in accordance with
RA 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act. According
to him, the 3-meter legal easement along the waterways is crucial
for the maintenance and sustainability of PRRC’s projects like
the development of linear parks and water quality improvement.
And as a preliminary step, ERHR’s marching order is to clear first
the easement of any impediment before any project begins.
Protecting rights of ISF
Maralit also shared the factors which limit the division’s
capabilities, one of which is the aspect on social preparation
activity, though tedious, is pivotal to speeding up relocation.
According to him, this entails protecting the rights of Informal
Settler Families (ISFs) from being displaced from their homes.
He also took note how the ISFs respond and conform to the
requirements of relocation as there are those who are not willing
to be relocated and eventually have to face forced demolition.
Opportunities for a better life
Maralit is optimistic that there are more of those who welcome
opportunities for a better life, realizing that, “kapag nasa
waterways sila, it’s very dangerous for them. The waterways are
strictly no build zones because they are danger zones. To build
medium rise housing in those areas is not really feasible”, he added.
Sustainability is key
Are the relocation sites sustainable? “They are sustainable but
sometimes it is unavoidable as well na may mga sumusubok pa rin
the bumalik sa Metro Manila, especially in areas where they came
from. Para sa kanila, their life, their livelihood is in Metro Manila”,
Maralit explained.
Maralit observed that “may mga families who are resistant to
change. But ‘yong mga magiging anak at apo nila na lumaki na
doon sa resettlement sites, nakukuha ‘yong mindset na dito kami
nakatira, dito kami lumaki, dito na kami tatanda”.
He added: “Ang PRRC ay meron namang kabalikat na ibang
ahensiya gaya ng National Housing Authority (NHA) para
matulungan na manatili sila sa relocation sites”.
Double or Triple the numbers
Since the inception of ERHR in 2012, Maralit said the division
has managed with the help of Kapit Bisig Para Sa Ilog Pasig
(KBPIP) to relocate 3,600. Thus far, PRRC was able to relocate
around 1,000 a year. “We mean to double or triple those numbers
within the year”, he said.
The division have hired personnel with special skills and relevant
experience in dealing with communities both from the informal
and formal to speed up the process of consultations to meet the
timetable.
ERHR’s greatest contribution: Commitment and Intensified
efforts
According to Maralit, his division’s greatest contributions to PRRC
are his team’s commitment and intensified efforts, they being at
the forefront of operations and that their accomplishments are
anchored on how their projects have progressed thru time.
“We view our projects as opportunities no matter how challenging
they may be for us. Hindi kami nakatingin sa projects alone
after clearing the easements. More importantly, we are after the
communities na nabibigyan ng mas mainam na buhay. It is very
rewarding not only for ERHR but for PRRC as a whole dahil may
natutulungan tayong mga pamilya na magkaroon ng magandang
kinabukasan”, he averred.
Challenges and opportunities: clean more esteros and tributaries
“Marami pang mga esteros na kailangang trabahuhin. Marami pa
tayong tributaries na kailangang ayusin before we are able to see
and feel the impact of what we want for our communities” Maralit
admitted.
“We have to remember that our partner agencies have also their
own mandates. Ang ating approach diyan ay lagi tayong nakikipagugnayan sa kanila sa Local Interagency Committee meetings to
forge collaborative efforts para maisulong ang ating mga proyekto,”
he added.
ERHR’s plans and programs: accomplish pending clearing and
relocation activities
Maralit noted that ERHR is the largest division with the formal
and informal sections, the River Patrol, and Housing section
that does estate management in Punta, Sta. Ana and Rodriguez,
Rizal.
Ilog Natin
According to him, the thrust, which ERHR aims to do this year,
is eventually to turn over to the National Housing Authority
(NHA) the estate management; for the informal section of
Quezon City, to accomplish all relocation activities by the end of
the year; and that he intends to wind down the activities for the
resettlement of Quezon City also by the end of the year.
For Manila, ERHR commits to accomplish majority of the
Manila wateways with the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) and the Manila LGU as partners and from
there, push thru with the other tributaries.
Directions: more efficient relocation and clearing operations
Maralit revealed that they are aiming for a more efficient means
of relocating ISFs and clearing easements of private properties, as
well. ERHR is doing a lot of coordination and attending seminars
to augment their capabilities. They have also partnership
agreements with LGUs and the national government to expedite
everything in the pipeline. Maralit hopes that those processes if
not being considered as pilot, at least could be shared to partner
agencies, if not with the national government to implement it on
a nationwide scope.
PRRC Operations Director on
‘Volunteerism and Environmental
Awareness’ at UE-Manila NSTP
15th Convocation
V
“
olunteerism and commitment to environment is the
direct way to progress and development”, said Pasig River
Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Operations Director
Ramil R. Tan during the 15th Convocation of the University
of the East (UE)-Manila National Students Training Program
(NSTP) held 14 March 2015 at the UE-Manila Campus.
The UE-NSTP Convocation is a culminating activity that
highlighted the students’ valuable experiences in community
service through the Responses of selected NSTP graduating
students reflecting on how they accomplished their tasks
in the adopted community and barangays, as well as how
NSTP transformed them into renewed citizens with a sense of
commitment, patriotism, and national pride hence, significantly
inspiring the students to bring forth the Filipino values, discipline
and hardwork and adopt to themselves their accountability as
citizens in nation building.
Tan, who is considered a community builder and public servant
was invited by the UE-Manila to talk on the subject volunteerism
and unwavering commitment in promoting environmental
awareness before a sizeable number of NSTP students of the
university. He elaborated that volunteerism is about having
the personal interest to serve. It is about having the feeling
of satisfaction and joy—a personal fulfilment to have shared
genuine care for the communities served.
PRRC Deputy Executive Director for Operations Ramil Tan (center)
received from UE-Manila a Certificate of Appreciation. (L-R): Director
of UE-NSTP-OECO Dr. Rogelio I. Espiritu; Asst. NSTP Coordinator
Dr. Madeleine M. Co; and component coordinators, Professors Gerardo
Venturina -(Civic Welfare Training Service) and Allan Aggabao (Literacy
Training Service).
With the theme, ‘A decade of Genuine Service and Renewed
Commitment Towards a Sustainable and Empowered Community’,
Tan inspired students and teachers to become more responsible
citizens who are deeply concerned and committed to act as
catalysts of change in society in the interest of the present
generation and generations to come.
Tan remarked on the perennial nuisance of flooding and the
appalling catastrophes that hound not only Metro Manila but
across the country. He stressed that forest denudation and
indiscriminate waste dumping in the rivers and esteros as the
undeniable culprits. He said the only possible solution is strict
observance of forest laws, compliance on solid waste management
and similar State regulations and more importantly, discipline of
Filipinos.
He cited as example PRRC’s River Warriors—a community-based
volunteers trained on law enforcement, ecological solid waste
management, leadership, estero rehabilitation and livelihood
programs. These reinvigorated River Warriors will continue
their commitment to safeguarding and taking care of the Pasig
River and its tributaries under a revitalized program where they
will be reintegrated in their respective local government units,
particularly at the barangay levels.
Emphasizing on linkages between and among institutions
in promoting environmental protection, awareness and
education, Tan also took note about developing the youth’s
civic consciousness and awareness and mobilization in nation
building and community development as enshrined in RA 9163
or the NSTP.
In his final remark, Tan challenged the academe specially the
students of their role in effectively transforming communities
to become environmental challenged warriors since the
youths have the opportunity for good and quality education
instrumental in building a nation not only of professionals but of
genuinely educated people with an utmost desire in protecting
their environment. (JMFacunla, PRRC)
28
29
n
i
C
R
R
P
Photo Releases
Ilog Natin
N
O
I
T
AC
February 17, 18 and 20, 2015—RIVER PATROL DEMOLITION JOB: (a) The River Patrol team gathered enough strength in tearing down the
concrete walls of the warehouse. (b) PRRC deputy executive director for operations Ramil Tan (rightmost), together with PRRC head for Easement
Recovery and Housing Relocation Ariel Maralit (center), personally oversee the demolition by the PRRC’s River Patrol Team of an “old warehouse”
situated along the San Francisco River at Barangay Talayan, Quezon City.
tion: Pasig River
Uli-Uli Inaugura
de
o
ter
lo,
Es
—
15
ief Lolita Historil
February 20, 20
(PRRC) Admin Ch
e
ion
tiv
iss
ra
m
ist
m
in
Co
m
n
Ad
tio
Rehabilita
nance and
ive Director for Fi
very,
ut
co
ec
Re
Ex
t
ty
en
pu
sem
De
Ea
PRRC
PRRC
PRRC
lene P. Quililan,
ad Ariel Maralit,
Services Helen Ar
He
R)
RH
(E
t
en
m
and
tle
a
set
ng
Re
Bo
d
a
ad Merliz
Housing an
ement Division He
bon
ag
rib
an
e
M
th
l
g
ta
rin
en
du
m
Environ
ia Niñofranco
or
Gl
r
ze
ni
ga
Go
Or
ni
To
PRRC Community
de Uli-Uli. Photo by
guration of Estero
cutting at the Inau
March 17, 2015—World Water Day 2015: The Pasig River
Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) team is seen in this file photo during
the kick-off of
World Water Day (WWD) 2015 at the UP Bahay ng Alumn
i. (Left to
right) PRRC Easement Recovery, Housing and Resettlement
(ERHR) Head
Ariel Maralit, PRRC Planning Officer Lira U, Canals, Public
Information
Advocacy and Tourism (PIATD) Information Officer Paulo
Capuli, PIATD
Head Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC Deputy Executive Directo
r for Operations
Ramil R. Tan, PRRC Executive Director Ronald A. Naguit
and PRRC
Riverbanks Development and Flood Control Division OIC
Arch Nelia de
Castro. Photo by Jelson Reginio, PRRC
Ilog Natin
Tanquintic, PRRC
olition: Fuelled by the passion and
March 27, 2015—Relocation and Dem
r life opportunities to Informal Settler
continuing commitment to provide bette
Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC)
River
Families living along the esteros, the Pasig
nt (ERHR) personnel facilitated the
Easement Recovery Housing and Resettleme
at the Relocation Action Center (RAC).
relocation of informal settler families (ISF)
January 14, 2015—Walkthrough: PRRC Deputy Executive Director
Ramil R. Tan, PRRC Chair Regina Paz Lopez, PRRC Planning Head
Engr. Reynaldo Ramos, Mr. Robert So, Jeffrey Quizon and PRRC Project
Development Officer Faheem Agda during the walkthrough in Estero de UliUli. Photo by Jericho Von Miranda, PRRC
March 19, 2015—Parola Relocatees in Pandi Bulacan.
Hundreds of relocates get a briefing from Pasig River
Rehabilitation Commission’s (PRRC) Amy Acebo during
the relocation of Informal Settler Families (ISF) in Pandi,
Bulacan. Photo by Jelson Reginio, PRRC
March 30, 2015—Boses: End viol
ence against women and
their children was the message of
the film, ‘Boses’, an Indi film
produced by Cinemalaya, shown
to Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) personnel at
the PRRC office on March
30, 2015 was a culminating acti
vity of the Women’s month.
PRRC’s Easement Recovery, Hou
sing and Resettlement
(ERHR) head Ariel Maralit (leftmos
t) together with the PRRC
personnel while watching the film
. Photo by Jelson Reginio,
PRRC
Photo Releases
March 28, 2015—Earth Hou
r: The Pasig River Rehabilitation
Commission (PRRC) and the Dep
(DENR) expressed their suppor
artment of Environment and Nat
t to Earth Hour 2015. Rovilso
ural Resources
n Fernandez and Marc Nelson
hosted the event. Photo by Therese
30

- Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission

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