I’m just wondering did President Benigno Aquino III really need to go out and visit that estero in Manila just so he can assess the situation of our country’s tributaries. I mean, doesn’t he already know that our creeks are among the filthiest in the world? Well, whether or not that little inspection of his [...]

I’m just wondering did President Benigno Aquino III really need to go out and visit that estero in Manila just so he can assess the situation of our country’s tributaries. I mean, doesn’t he already know that our creeks are among the filthiest in the world?

Well, whether or not that little inspection of his was just another media gimmick, I’ll give him credit for at least putting back the rehabilitation of Pasig River in the news.

According to the report over at GMAnews.TV, President Aquino already met with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Council — or is that Commission? — and was briefed on the river’s present status and what else needs to be done to bring it back to life.

I’m not sure if I misheard him, but I think President Aquino said something about reviving the river within his term is possible, based on the information given to him. Wow! I hope he got correct information to come out with such a pronouncement. It would really disappoint a lot of people including myself if this statement of his turns out to be just like those sweeping promises he made during the campaign season.

I guess the best thing that the president should do now that he has raised the expectations of those who want to see Pasig River in all its former glory is to provide some specifics in the coming days.

A few questions come to mind:


  • Does the rehabilitation plan include the relocation of informal settlers living along the river?
  • How about the factories and other industrial facilities operating and possibly dumping all sorts of waste materials into the river?
  • Will they also be removed as proposed by some people?
  • How exactly will the cleanup be done?
  • What technologies will be used?
  • How much will be spent?
  • Who will shoulder the cost?

The last two questions are of course very important. Considering its money problems, the government may not have enough resources for this. But then again it’s President Aquino we’re talking about here. The Great Yellow Hope as described by some.

Consumer Karma of Philippine Consumer Reports thinks President Aquino has what it takes to gather private sector support for such a project.

We fully believe that if President Aquino is serious about cleaning up Pasig River, it will happen.* He has the backing of a lot of people and I think all city governments — as well as corporations and private sector groups — will pull all stops to help him.
I hope this blogger’s assessment is correct.

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