PRRC, LIAC relocate more ISFs in Estero de Magdalena to Cavite

 The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), in collaboration with the Local Inter-Agency Committee of Manila, relocated more informal settler families (ISFs) along the stretch of Estero de Magdalena, Manila today, July 3.

According to PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio "Pepeton" E. Goitia, up to 40 families would be initially transferred to the relocation site in Trece Martires, Cavite.

While the remaining 60 families were scheduled to move on July 10 to their new houses in Summer Home, Trece Martires, Cavite.

Goitia said that before the relocation, the families were accompanied and assisted by PRRC in various community dialogues and ocular inspections as part of their social preparation.

They were also provided with 40 trucks and vans as they move to the relocation site.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Manila likewise provided each family with food supplies such as rice, canned goods and coffee.

Other entitlements included livelihood assistance and disaster preparedness training.

From November 2015 to September 2017, PRRC already transferred 1,009 ISFs out of the target 2,015 to various relocation sites in Bulacan.

Goitia said it was important for the ISFs to leave the estero because they had been long exposed to the dangers of leptospirosis, diarrhea and other waterborne diseases.

In addition, they caused heavy pollution of Estero de Magdalena, which flows to the Pasig River, that no amount of cleanup operations solved the garbage problem in the area; hence, the relocation.

It was only last June 13, 2018 that the PRRC conducted a massive clean-up operation with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local government unit of Manila and several ISFs in Estero de Magdalena to prevent the flooding in the area.

"So these ISFs really must be relocated because they are also causing the mountains of garbage here," Goitia said.

Once all the ISFs are removed, the PRRC can already begin the construction of the linear park along the estero as it did in Estero de Pandacan, Estero de Paco, Maytunas Creek, Estero de San Miguel and many other once-polluted waterways.

The government allotted P 17 million for the rehabilitation of Estero de Magdalena into an environmental protected area.

Furthermore, the PRRC and MMDA jointly dismantled their informal settlements with consent from the families to ensure that they would not return to Estero de Magdalena.

Trece Martires Mayor Melandres G. De Sagun welcomed the families in Cavite and ensured that their houses were in good condition, and accessible to important facilities like hospital and school.

PRRC praised for Maytunas Creek rehabilitation

Mayor Carmelita "Menchie" Abalos expressed her gratitude to PRRC Executive Director Jose Goitia and to all PRRC employees for their efforts in cleaning and developing the Maytunas creek.

The developed Maytunas creek linear park has been opened to the public since February 24, 2016.

The PRRC installed waste water interventions at Maytunas creek such as bioremediation and interceptor canal.

According to Goitia, the said creek's 1,368 linear meters of recovered easements also feature solar-powered and electric lighting fixtures, paver blocks, concrete bench, railings, and ramp for persons with disabilities.

Prior to its rehabilitation, Mandaluyong LGU's environmental management department head Emmanuel "Sonny" Oblea shared that they used to receive numerous complaints about the massive volume of wastes in Maytunas creek.

Mandaluyong City likewise installed trash traps before but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the massive amount of garbage to clean.

"Hindi pa 'to [inter-city installation of trash traps] nagagawa, naglalagay na kami ng trap. Sa loob ng isang buwan, apat na beses na naglilinis kami because of numerous complaints," said Oblea.

Oblea pointed out the important role of PRRC's leadership and interagency cooperation in rehabilitating the creek that has prevented the flooding in the area.

"But because of the project of the PRRC again, inayos nila yung aming Maytunas creek. I think last year, wala na akong natatanggap na reklamo tungkol sa mga basura na nagka-clog doon sa aming part of Maytunas," Oblea stated.

 Maytunas creek is one of the 47 identified tributaries of the Pasig River system.

Over 200 Pasig River relocatees receive free medical aid from PRRC

 The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in partnership with St. Joseph Academy of Valenzuela Alumni Association, Salcres Physical Therapy Foundation International Inc., Myshare Foundation and Wow Health and Wellness Optical Clinic, spearheaded a medical mission on June 2, 2018 at Jaime Cardinal Sin Village (JCSV), 728 Housing, Punta Sta. Ana, Manila City.

This free medical mission was given to at least 200 individuals relocated from the banks of the Pasig River into one of the country's first in-city relocation sites in Metro Manila.

To be recalled, PRRC and Serviam Foundation Inc, relocated these families living in shanties and makeshift houses beside the Pasig River last quarter of 2008 to first quarter of 2009 to improve the health and living conditions of our fellow Filipinos exposed to polluted waterways help and to improve water quality through the reduction of untreated solid and liquid wastes dumped by the informal settlers.

The objectives of this medical mission are: (1) to provide the JCSV community medical care to those who needed it, who have limited or no access to it, and who cannot afford it, (2) to provide health assessment so that the community attains a greater degree of self-sufficiency, and (3) to intensify PRRC's Information, Education and Communication Campaign by providing high level of public awareness in taking care of the environment.

The activity was participated by medical doctors, physical therapists, optometrists, nurses, PRRC, partner agencies, and JCSV relocatees as recipients of the said project.

"These health missions are significant because it does not only provide healthcare services to our relocated families even after nine years since they were rescued from the banks of the Pasig River, but most importantly, it also encourages the community to assume responsibility for their health and their environment", said PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia.

PRRC, NHA relocate another 60 ISFs from Estero de Magdalena

Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) relocated another batch of informal settler families (ISFs) along the stretch of Estero de Magdalena in Manila on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 with the help of the Local Inter-Agency Committee of Manila and the Local Government of Trece Martires, Cavite.

PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio "Pepeton" E. Goitia said 60 families were transferred to their new houses in Summer Home, Trece Martires, Cavite.

From November 2015 to July 3, PRRC already transferred 1,049 ISFs out of the target 2,015 to various relocation sites in Bulacan and Cavite.

Goitia said that before the relocation, the families were accompanied and assisted by PRRC in various community dialogues and ocular inspections as part of their social preparation.

They were also provided with trucks and vans as they move to the relocation site.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development – Manila likewise provided each family with food supplies such as rice, canned goods and coffee.

Other entitlements included livelihood assistance and disaster preparedness training.

Goitia further added that Mayor Sagun would spearhead series of job fairs for the families in addition to livelihood training assistance.

Once all the ISFs are removed, the PRRC could begin the construction of the linear park along the estero as it did in Estero de Pandacan, Estero de Paco, Maytunas Creek, Estero de San Miguel and many other once-polluted waterways.

The government allotted P17 million for the rehabilitation of Estero de Magdalena into a clear waterway with easements developed into a linear park useful for community access and recreation.

The families watched and consented to the dismantling of their informal settlements with smiles on their faces as they moved to Cavite. 

Trece Martires Mayor Melandres G. De Sagun welcomed the families in Cavite and ensured that their houses were in good condition, and accessible to important facilities like hospital and school.

PRRC, Los Angeles Public Works boost sister rivers partnership

The Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission's (PRRC) and the Los Angeles County Board of Public Works (LACBPW) revitalized their "Sister Rivers" partnership on July 18, 2018 in Quezon City.

The "Sister River" partnership was forged between PRRC and the Los Angeles Department of Public Works to support the PRRC's efforts to rehabilitate Pasig River. 

Commissioner Joel F. Jacinto from Los Angeles Department of Public Works came to the Philippines to learn about the Pasig River Master Plan and to see esteros developed by the PRRC. 

PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia said there is a need to reinvigorate the "Sister River" partnership to help in their effort of rehabilitating the Pasig River.

"Commissioner Jacinto can help Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos and I fast-track the rehabilitation of waterways in Makati," added Goitia.

 After the ceremony at the PRRC office, officials from the Commission and LACBPW are scheduled to visit some of Metro Manila's rivers and linear parks. 

They will have a walkthrough at Ermitanyo Creek and San Juan River in San Juan City and Maytunas creek in Mandaluyong City. 

They will also visit the Poblacion Linear Park and Guadalupe Nuevo creek in Makati City. The Pasig Ferry Station in Guadalupe will also be visited by them and a tour of the Pasig River, from Guadalupe to Plaza Mexico in Manila will follow. 

In 2016, "Sister River" partnership was forged between PRRC and the LACBPW in Los Angeles to support the PRRC's efforts to rehabilitate Pasig River. 

The signing of the agreement marked the start of a multifaceted exchange between communities surrounding the Los Angeles and Pasig Rivers, that face similar problems.