Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Atty. Benhur Abalos, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jerry Acuzar, and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes inspect an area in a map along Pasig River that will be developed into a linear park that will house greeneries, material recovery facilities, rain harvesting facility, and sewage treatment plant, through the help of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to ensure that the water that will flow from the San Juan River to Pasig River is clean. A jogging path, walkway, and bike way will also be constructed. (Photos courtesy: MMDA)

SAN JUAN CITY, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s Executive Order 35 has established an inter-agency council tasked with revitalizing the Pasig River. The focus goes beyond environmental cleanup, aiming to unlock economic potential and address housing concerns for informal settlers.

The Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) is led by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar. He has established links with other member agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

"Executive Order 35 tackles many issues simultaneously," Acuzar said in a statement. "It will have significant positive impacts on housing, transportation, and even tourism."

The rehabilitation will stretch from Manila to Pasig, with the potential to create economic opportunities along the riverbanks. Acuzar emphasizes that while environmental restoration is paramount, the project will also ensure the safety of informal settlers living along the river. Mixed-use development and tourism are envisioned to generate further economic benefits.

"Activating the inter-agency council will streamline our efforts and synchronize the actions of all concerned agencies for the Pasig River's revival," Acuzar added.

DHSUD has already drafted preliminary plans for pilot areas in Manila, collaborating with key IAC-PRUD members. The council's primary mandate is to facilitate the complete rehabilitation of the Pasig River and nearby water systems to foster alternative transportation, promote economic opportunities, and boost tourism.

A comprehensive Pasig River Urban Development Plan will serve as the project's blueprint, aiming to maximize the river's potential for mixed-use development, transportation, recreation, tourism, and sustainable human settlements, while preserving its historical and cultural value.

The council is also tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive relocation plan for informal settlers residing along the riverbanks. This includes identifying suitable relocation sites, formulating strategies for their economic and social integration, and finding long-term solutions to prevent further migration into the area.

Executive Order 35 authorizes the IAC-PRUD to accept grants, contributions, and donations from local and foreign sources to support the plan's implementation.

Under the order, the MMDA chairperson serves as vice chair, while secretaries from various departments hold membership roles. The National Housing Authority will act as the secretariat.

This initiative marks a significant step towards revitalizing the Pasig River, aiming to not only restore its environmental health but also unlock its economic potential and improve the lives of those living along its banks. (PIA-NCR)