A major step has been taken to rejuvenate the Pasig River. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) 92, establishing the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation (OPAPRR) to lead the comprehensive rehabilitation and development of the vital waterway.
The creation of the OPAPRR is a key part of the administration’s Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli initiative, which aims to transform the 25-kilometer riverfront into a vibrant commercial and tourist destination. The project envisions new parks, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and commercial spaces along the river.
“The Pasig River is a central part of our history and our future,” said a representative from the President’s office. “This new office will ensure that all efforts are coordinated and effectively implemented to restore the river to its former glory and create new opportunities for the public.”
Key Functions of the New Office
The OPAPRR will be led by a Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation, who will hold the rank of a Secretary. The office is tasked with:
Advising the President on all matters concerning the river’s rehabilitation.
Coordinating and harmonizing all related government policies, plans, and programs.
Collaborating with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to ensure a unified approach.
Monitoring the implementation of all presidential directives related to the river’s restoration.
In addition to creating the new office, EO 92 also reorganized the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD). The Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation will now serve as the council’s chairperson, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson as vice-chair.
The council includes key government departments, such as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), among others.
The establishment of the OPAPRR signifies a strong commitment to the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli initiative and sets the stage for a new chapter in the history of the Pasig River.
