The Pasig River is a river that empties Manila Bay into Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. It divides Manila in half and travels north to northwest before entering the bay between the North and South Harbours. It is 23 kilometers (14 km) long. During the Spanish colonial era, the wharves and quays at the river’s mouth supported the early interisland trade. At that time, a sizable portion of people lived on barges and rafts on the Pasig. Nine bridges currently span the slow-moving, shallow creek, making it passable for small boats, however its port services have diminished.The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority now runs the only water-based transportation service in the area, the Pasig River Ferry Service, which is a public water bus service based in Metro Manila. The Pasig River is significant historically because it was a crucial river both before and during the Spanish colonial era. It was a vital link in the transportation network that carried people and goods between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay. The river continues to be a monument to the cultural and historical worth it holds for the people of Metro Manila despite obstacles like development, pollution, and neglect.
The Pasig River was formerly a busy route for the transfer of both goods and people. Its waters were smoothly crossed by boats and ferries, which made it easier for commuters and commodities to move about Metro Manila and the neighboring areas. Though its commercial significance has decreased due to pollution, urbanization, and alternative forms of transportation, some communities still find livelihood opportunities along its banks. This river was the center of commerce, where riverside communities engaged in various livelihoods such as fishing, farming, and trade. Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the Pasig River is vital to Metro Manila’s management of drainage and flood control. During typhoons and periods of severe rain, it serves as a natural canal, diverting precipitation and extra water. In order to prevent floods in the city and protect the lives and property of its residents, the river must be managed and maintained properly. When bathing rates began to decline noticeably in the 1950s, the trend began. By the 1980s, there was no longer any fishing and the water stank. The Pasig River, a 27-km stream that flows from Laguna de Bay through the bustling city center and into Manila Bay, was biologically extinct by 1990.
Although the green water hyacinths that are currently floating around the river may provide color to the foul brown, scientists interpret them as signs of river water pollution. The river is still in terrible health despite numerous initiatives and projects involving international funders including the ADB and the World Bank, the Danish International Development Agency, the government, individual contributors, and civil society. The Pasig River holds immense historical and cultural importance for the Philippines. It was a vital trade route during pre-colonial times and played a significant role in the Spanish colonial period as well. Recognizing the importance of the Pasig River, various government agencies, environmental groups, and concerned citizens have initiated efforts to rehabilitate and clean the river. These efforts include water quality improvement, waste management, and community involvement. The rehabilitation of the Pasig River is not just about cleaning its waters but also restoring its ecosystems and biodiversity. Native plants and fish species have been reintroduced to help improve the river’s ecological balance. While significant progress has been made in rehabilitating the Pasig River, many challenges remain, including funding, enforcement of environmental laws, and changing public behavior. However, the ongoing commitment to the river’s restoration provides hope for a cleaner and more vibrant waterway.
The Pasig River serves as a reminder of the Philippines’ history and its ongoing efforts to balance urban development with environmental preservation. Its journey toward revitalization and ecological health reflects the broader global challenges of managing and restoring urban waterways in the face of urbanization and pollution.
