The rehabilitation of one of Manila's busiest waterway, the Pasig River, won the first Asia RiverPrize Award, handed by the International River Foundation (IRF) to recognize successful efforts to revitalize waterways.
The awarding was held in Sydney, Australia.
"Ito na 'yung bunga ng ating puso para sa Ilog Pasig kaya ituloy-tuloy lang natin ang ating mga programa," said PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio Goitia.
[Translation: "This is the fruit of our love for the Pasig River. Let us continue our programs."]
Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) executive director Jose Antonio E. Goitia announced on the agency's Facebook page.
Massive Tilapias
Not only that, the PRRC proudly showed off their newly caught tilapias from the Pasig River.
Photo by Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
Photo by Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
Residents of Barangay 900 at Punta Sta. Ana were able to catch these fishes last Sunday. These freshwater fishes were huge; many of them weighing more than a kilo each.
The fishermen in the area couldn’t hide their delight and excitement over their catch. Kids were also amazed and happy to see fishes already thriving in the Pasig River.
Photo by King Rodriguez
The PRRC shared that a 2009 study entitled “Biodiversity Assessment of Pasig River and its Tributaries: Ecosystems Approach” by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), shared that there are already eight species of fish, including tilapias, living in the Pasig River.
Back in 2018, the successful rehabilitation of the Pasig River gained international recognition and even won an award for their efforts.
Photo by King Rodriguez
The International River Foundation awarded PRRC the inaugural Asia River Prize Award. PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio Goitia received the recognition during the 21st International Riversymposium held in Sydney, Australia.
The award-giving body stated, “PRRC and its partners’ river restoration and management efforts have effectively brought the Pasig River back to life. These efforts have included delivering quality projects, programs, activities, and advocacies in easement recovery, riverbank development, waste and water quality management, and public awareness.”
Photo by Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
Photo by Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC)
Meanwhile, the PRRC continues to remind the public that utmost precaution is still advised in consuming the fishes caught from the Pasig River. They stated, “These fishes may contain traces of toxic chemicals that may cause harm to one’s health. Thus, utmost precaution is advised.”
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