Pasig River - Compiled Threads

[Lili]

Hi folks,

In the "Philippines Then and Now" thread, the venerable TheCameraReturns posted these images of the Pasig River under the Jones Bridge. You can see the difference how the previous pristine waters of the Pasig River had degenerated into a cesspool. Perhaps you have ideas or visions on how to rehabilitate and beautify the Pasig River which is so much part of the life and development of Metro Manila. Please post your suggestions, illustrations, excerpts from literature, etc. or any matter pertaining to the Pasig River in this thread.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/bridgespain1902horse-mrk.jpg

IMAGE 2. 2005 Comparison, approximate location.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y180/Circa1900/webhorsebackjones05.jpg

[bagel]

I want more horses. In the present-day photo, the horse seems to have turned into horse sh*t.

[Lili]

I want more horses. In the present-day photo, the horse seems to have turned into horse sh*t.

Not just horse sh*t, human sh*t pa, according to TheCameraReturns

Lili, if you were where I was when taking Image 2, you would be very disgusted. Just a few meters to the left of the photograph is a stairway leading into the river, and it was absolutely piled with human waste. I thought of taking a picture of it, but I doubt anyone would appreciate looking at the resulting image!

The Pasig is a toilet for the many squatters and street people living near it, you only have be on Jones, MacArthur, or Quezon Bridge early in the morning to see for yourself. Funny, I was walking down Jones Bridge with my camera slung around my neck one day when I heard a voice calling from down below, it was a boy defecating into the river calling for me to take his photo, he probably thought that I was a tourist. Not that it would make a good impression on visitors to our country!

[bagel]

Whatever happened to the Piso Para sa Pasig of Amelita Ramos? Did it survive in some form to this day? Or did it end with the coming of Erap and Glo?

[ThisFire]

The Pasig is so important and such a part of history that they must do something about it.

[Lili]

Battle of Manila by the Pasig River

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a137/ECdoesit/crossingthepasigweb45.jpg

"At their most vulnerable point in an assault river crossing, troops found that the south bank of the Pasig, having suffered the attention of heavy artillery fire, was strewn with a screen of rubble stretching down to the low water mark. The assault upon Intramuros from the north would initiate with an amphibious crossing over the Pasig by the 129th Infantry, whilst the 145th Infantry would move overland west and through the breaches opened by the artillery. (National Archives Photo )"

[mhe-ann]

I want more horses. In the present-day photo, the horse seems to have turned into horse sh*t.

Not just horse sh*t, human sh*t pa, according to TheCameraReturns

haaayy... mga walang disiplina kc.

[sandrin]

Piso para sa Pasig is a clean-up fund, right?
I guess it's the surrounding industrial plants and households that pollute the Pasig River. The clean-up drive will not succeed unless the government imposed strict rules on dumping wastes into the river.
It should be surrounded by parks like the Marikina River (thanks to Bayani Fernando!) and not by industrial plants and households. It's either the industries donate a few meters of land or the government buys that few meters of land beside the river to be developed into a park. In return, the value of their properties will appreciate with the rehabilitation and beautification of Pasig. So it's a win win situation.

[TheCameraReturns]

Over a hundred years ago, there used to be crocodiles in the Pasig. And I remember coming across an image of a crocodile hunting party some years back, unfortunately, I failed to save it. The following link though, is very interesting..

http://mvphilippines.hypermart.net/pasig.htm

[renell]

Manila's efforts to Roxas Boulevard and Manila Bay, I hope, would be slowly shifting to Pasig river now. There were talks of a returning ferry service. Let's see what happens there. It's hitting two birds with one stone, it's reopening for passengers, and for tourists.

I'm thinking of something similar here in Sydney. Perhaps it can extend to CCP as well. So CCP-Intramuros-Rockwell... perhaps other stops in between.

[ryanr]

Is that horse swimming across or walking across?:D

Well at least Pasig River is much cleaner now than in the 80's to mid 90s...

[Dvorak]

they should start by removing the squatters..

[noli]

I don't believe the old picture showing a horse wading the Pasig River is an authentic one. With the current technology available in the computer nowadays, I believe the horse with a guy on top must have been superimposed to the old picture. I haven't waded in that river and I don't intend to especially today but I am very sure that portion of the river is very deep.

[TheCameraReturns]

I don't believe the old picture showing a horse wading the Pasig River is an authentic one. With the current technology available in the computer nowadays, I believe the horse with a guy on top must have been superimposed to the old picture. I haven't waded in that river and I don't intend to especially today but I am very sure that portion of the river is very deep.

The photograph that you are referring to was taken from the University of Michigan website, where an archive of photographs from the past is preserved. Now, there's really no reason for them to "digitally doctor" an image, besides, it does not serve them any purpose.

http://www.hti.umich.edu

Try to walk down Jones Bridge at low tide, and you will see that that portion of the Pasig is indeed shallow.

[Solblanc]

well, the river is less murky today. now, it only has that weird bagoong-like stench :D

[ryanr]

Cleaning up the Pasig River isnt impossible. The river Thames was heavily polluted in the 19th century (they even had a fire in the river!) and yet they were able to clean it up significantly. Same goes for the Seine River. The Reine River used to be polluted from industry in Germany, France, etc but now, through the "total ecological concept" and reine action plan, it is clean enough for salmon to once again breed on the river.

[KulasKusgan]

before that clean-up drive by ming ramos, twas garbage all over pasig river. what it needs is continuity of such effort.

[Lili]

http://rizalslifewritings.tripod.com/images/rizal_man_martyr/chp05/malacanang.jpg

In the 19th Century during Rizal's time:

"The river was not polluted then, and it was a source of livelihood for fishermen as well as the source for drinking water. On the shores of the river, near the city were various factories and iron-foundries, above which are the residences of the wealthy mestizos and foreign settlers, as well as Malacañan, the residence of the Governor-General.

Three kinds of boats plied the Pasig-Laguna route: the banca, hollowed out of a tree trunk and often had a bamboo awning; the lorcha which was a rather clumsy rowboat, and the casco, that looked like a raft with its almost equal width at both ends and was used for transporting heavy merchandise. At Laguna de Bai, was also used a boat called the paráho,

Other suburbs grew out of the expanding city and soon included the old municipalities of Pandacan, Sta. Ana, Paco, Singalong, Makati, and Mandaluyong, all of which have waterways originating from the Pasig River. Today these waterways are the smelly esteros that have no resemblance at all to the vital canals that were an integral part of the city of Rizal’s time. Its waters are black and filled with unspeakable rotten things, and the river is just a bit less polluted."

Source: A Rizaliana Tour by Rosalinda Olsen
http://rizalslifewritings.tripod.com/v-class/tour.htm

[Lili]

Sic itur ad astra.
One morning in December the steamer Tabo was laboriously ascending the tortuous course of the Pasig, carrying a large crowd of passengers toward the province of La Laguna. She was a heavily built steamer, almost round, like the tabú from which she derived her name, quite dirty in spite of her pretensions to whiteness, majestic and grave from her leisurely motion. Altogether, she was held in great affection in that region, perhaps from her Tagalog name, or from the fact that she bore the characteristic impress of things in the country, representing something like a triumph over progress, a steamer that was not a steamer at all, an organism, stolid, imperfect yet unimpeachable, which, when it wished to pose as being rankly progressive, proudly contented itself with putting on a fresh coat of paint. Indeed, the happy steamer was genuinely Filipino! If a person were only reasonably considerate, she might even have been taken for the Ship of State, constructed, as she had been, under the inspection of Reverendos and Ilustrísimos....

Bathed in the sunlight of a morning that made the waters of the river sparkle and the breezes rustle in the bending bamboo on its banks, there she goes with her white silhouette throwing out great clouds of smoke—the Ship of State, so the joke runs, also has the vice of smoking! The whistle shrieks at every moment, hoarse and commanding like a tyrant who would rule by shouting, so that no one on board can hear his own thoughts. She menaces everything she meets: now she looks as though she would grind to bits the salambaw, insecure fishing apparatus which in their movements resemble skeletons of giants saluting an antediluvian tortoise; now she speeds straight toward the clumps of bamboo or against the amphibian structures, karihan, or wayside lunch-stands, which, amid gumamelas and other flowers, look like indecisive bathers who with their feet already in the water cannot bring themselves to make the final plunge; at times, following a sort of channel marked out in the river by tree-trunks, she moves along with a satisfied air, except when a sudden shock disturbs the passengers and throws them off their balance, all the result of a collision with a sand-bar which no one dreamed was there.

[612bv3]

they should start by removing the squatters..
Agree, the Pasig River area has so much potential it's really sad to see it very dirty. Skyscrapers should be lining up in that area, or atleast some nice buildings.

[mysaong03]

^^ of course, cleaning it up, rehabilitate the buildings, etc kayang-kaya lahat gawin yan kung may pera :)

[amras]

^^ of course, cleaning it up, rehabilitate the buildings, etc kayang-kaya lahat gawin yan kung may pera :)

I agree. But let me add more: initiative and political will...

[Sou-jiro]

Ow how i long for the day when pasig river returns to its full glory...

[KulasKusgan]

then there will be floating restaurants and river cruises. wow! how i wish.

[thomasian]

so pwedeng malipat ito sa Pasig river if it gets cleaned. :)

Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant, CCP Complex - 05.15.05:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0028xx.jpg

[Lili]

Parang sa Hong Kong Bay! :)

[612bv3]

so pwedeng malipat ito sa Pasig river if it gets cleaned. :)

Jumbo Kingdom Floating Restaurant, CCP Complex - 05.15.05:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y195/aaron_ofngol/000_0028xx.jpg
Wouldn't that be nice to see, I would like to see Pasig be the Seine or Thames of Asia, but it's only a dream and dreams don't always come true.

[bagel]

I think if they tried to float that boat up the Pasig, it would either destroy all of the bridges or get stuck at the bridges. And it's so wide that only a bangka can pass beside it.

[Sou-jiro]

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may2205/pictures/news.jpg

Linis Pasig River --- Inilunsad kahapon ng Philippine Navy ang ‘clean-up drive’ sa Ilog Pasig kung saan nakakatuwang maging ang mga bata ay tumulong. (Devery Alegata)

[ThisFire]

What a nice picture. I've seen other pictures of this event, but with adults cleaning up the river, but this one I haven't seen before. Very inspiring.

[Lili]

http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/may2205/pictures/news.jpg

Linis Pasig River --- Inilunsad kahapon ng Philippine Navy ang ‘clean-up drive’ sa Ilog Pasig kung saan nakakatuwang maging ang mga bata ay tumulong. (Devery Alegata)

Mga bata sanay na sa amoy.

[dudz]

that image is inspiring indeed...sana magtuloy-tuloy na ito with everyone getting involve in any way. here are some photos to show the current efforts. some military personnel are still there when i took these.

agencies (gov't and private) involve...
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1364s.jpg

current developments on the south bank of the river:
looking east towards jones bridge
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1358s.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1359s.jpg

looking west towards the manila bay
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1360s.jpg

taken from jones bridge
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1361s.jpg

from the other side of jones towards the post office bldg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1362s.jpg
it would be better if there are small trees in this stretch
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1365s.jpg

under the lrt bridge looking towards the quezon bridge
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1366s.jpg
towards macarthur bridge
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1368s.jpg

a marker opposite feati university
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1369s.jpg
from quezon bridge
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1371s.jpg
the manila forest park (where the DECS once held office)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1373s.jpg

and view of makati from the bridge
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/IMG_1374s.jpg

[KulasKusgan]

wow! those are impressive pics. beautiful. definitely 10/10.

[jun_of]

Wow! Great pictures Dudz! Looks like Pasig has a huge potential, ala Seine or Thames.

[dudz]

kung malinis lang sana ang tubig, hindi mabaho (the stench will really get into your nerves, kaya walang nagpupunta dito) at walang mga basura it would definitely be a wonderful place to spend time.

btw thanks sleepwalker...para tayong nasa urban photo contest ah :D and to jun of, too...maybe someday, we'll see it done.

[KulasKusgan]

kung malinis lang sana ang tubig, hindi mabaho (the stench will really get into your nerves, kaya walang nagpupunta dito) at walang mga basura it would definitely be a wonderful place to spend time.

btw thanks sleepwalker...para tayong nasa urban photo contest ah :D and to jun of, too...maybe someday, we'll see it done.

lol! sa ganda ng mga kuha mo, kala ko nasa UPC tayo. sana one day my entry tayo dun. did you take photography class? you're like a pro.

[dudz]

hindi, puro experimento lang, pindot lang ng pindot :lol:...saka mga tips na nababasa sa mga threads and others sites.

[KulasKusgan]

yan din madalas ginagawa ko. pindot ng pindot. pero iba ang kinalabasan. anyway, practis makes perfect (with right equipment din).

[Culiat]

Sana magtuloytuloy na itong pagpapaganda at muling pagbibigay buhay sa Pasig.

[Sou-jiro]

beautiful pics guys~!

[ThisFire]

dudz, great pictures that not only update many of us but pictures that also show the potential that's always been there but now starting to really show.

[sandrin]

Dudz ang ganda ng mga pictures mo ha... Pinapaganda na nila talaga yung river banks... kulang na lang tanggalin ang mga basura at amoy....

[ThisFire]

Very true. But there are things and methods to getting rid of the smell.

I remember learning of places and cities that had rivers and lakes that had no hope, but then they became revitalized and invested on to become success stories and places of interest. Does anybody know some?

[Lili]

Hey Dudz,

Thanks for sharing with us your photos. These gave us a glimpse of the current developments along Pasig River. I'm getting more and more optimistic. I hope that the water quality and sanitation issues will be addressed soon. There is so much potential I see.

[bagel]

The only way to get rid of the smell is to control the dumping habits that people have-- and I'm not just talking about informal settlers dumping trash and human waste in the esteros and rivers of the metropolis but also about industrial concerns that continue to use the river as a place to get rid of their industrial waste. It's really pretty simple.

[thomasian]

Nice pics there huh. Gumaganda na talaga ang riverbanks ng Pasig, although it seems like no restaurant would dare open there. Fine dining by the Pasig anyone? :)

[ryanr]

Wow..nice! At least they are off to a good start in redeveloping the Pasig River area in Manila. hopefully other cities like Makati will follow.

They should make the river banks walls have nice carved designs like Paris' Seine river walls and Dubai's seawalls.

[renell]

The only way to get rid of the smell is to control the dumping habits that people have-- and I'm not just talking about informal settlers dumping trash and human waste in the esteros and rivers of the metropolis but also about industrial concerns that continue to use the river as a place to get rid of their industrial waste. It's really pretty simple.

Well......... they really should move the Pasig River industries into Calabarzon or Central Luzon, you know, to decentralise MM. Then perhaps turn those old industries into new high-density medium-rise communities. Shed the old skin to reveal the new one. That's what they're doing in the Parramatta here for a long time, and it's happened with the Thames. All European rivers were dirty in the city parts before.

[ryanr]

Yup...thats true with most developed cities. Manhattan used to have factories all over the place, but now they moved out to New Jersey and other places. Overtime, Pasig industries will move out of MM to Calabarzon, etc. This is part of the Greenfields development plan, to turn industrial factories and warehouses in Pasig into a planned community of apartment blocks and offices.

[amras]

The only way to get rid of the smell is to control the dumping habits that people have-- and I'm not just talking about informal settlers dumping trash and human waste in the esteros and rivers of the metropolis but also about industrial concerns that continue to use the river as a place to get rid of their industrial waste. It's really pretty simple.

I agree. Limit the river's intake of organic wastes... solid no-biodegradable wastes are easier to isolate coz simple filtering can be done. if we stop from dumping too much organic wastes into the river, give it 5-10 years and it would rehabilitate itself naturally. also, the source of the water in the river should be addressed as well. for instance, laguna lake should also be rehabilitated, etc... I also agree with you guys that industries should be taken away from the river banks where dumping wastes is very convenient. With the new environmental compliance laws we have, they would be forced to install waste treatment facilities or just tap into existing ones.

[dudz]

you're all welcome guys and gals :) really hope that this project continues until the entire pasig river is completely overhauled. sayang ang efforts kung puro umpisa lang (sigh)

@ryan...i think in makati they have this makati park development, its just across the makati university, they have playgrounds and multipurpose halls for gatherings and other stuff...the government really have to integrate all these projects.

[mysaong03]

^^ sayang talaga, but i doubt if that stretch would ever get cleaned for the next 10 years, madugong procedure yan, u have to remove the rootcause of the problem, e.g illegal settlers, factories, etc. would u believe my mga natutulog dyan sa ilalim ng tulay sa gabi? may mga pipes & concrete bars yan sa gilid na hinihigaan nila. & also if the promenade is'nt well guarded, those lightbulbs & steel railings can easily be stolen by bystanders at night. its very common scenario along jones bridge to see broken bulbs w/ just the sprouting wires left & broken grilles. the poors are just that desperate :

well, kung sa bagay even the singapore river clean-up also took more than 10 years to finish, so the pasig case is still hopefully possible :)

[OtAkAw]

Hay nako siguro ang Pasig Rehabilitation aabot ng mga ilang dekada! Dahil sa kahanga-hanga nating gobyerno diba? Kung yung mga daan at mga iba pang proyektong mas mahalaga di ma-ayos-ayos eto pa kaya!? Hay nako ulit, maghintay nalang siguro tayo hanggang maging 1st world country ang Pinas para ma-solve lahat ng problema...

[Lili]

I just read this 2003 article on Pasig in Philippine Headline News by Sol Vanzi

ONCE THERE WAS A MUSE NAMED PASIG
MANILA, December 9, 2003 (STAR) By Ching M. Alano - Her impeccable charm never failed to inspire. Many a dreamy-eyed and tongue-tied poet, musician and writer was moved to sing paeans to her.

Once there was a muse named Pasig.

National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin wrote in his book Manila, My Manila, "Manila took a long time to make. What is now its ground used to be sea. The sea reached as far as the present towns of Mandaluyong (‘a place of waves’) and Makati (‘a place of tides’). No one knows how long it took to turn sea into land. But we do know who built a site for Manila. The builder was the Pasig River."

A river of lore and legend, Pasig River is a 10-mile course that runs from the salt waters of Manila Bay to Laguna de Bai (meaning princess or lady), one of the world’s largest fresh water inland lakes with its own islands and tributaries.

(The present Pasig is all of 23 kilometers, flowing from the north side of Laguna de Bai and westward into Manila Bay.)

Pasig throbbed with life. Along its banks (Pasig comes from the words "sand banks") lived people who called themselves Tagalog (taga ilog). Two of its most important settlements were Namayan (near today’s Sta. Ana) and Maynila. The delta of the Pasig was almost entirely occupied by the city of Manila. On these delta isles first settled folks who came in big rowboats called barangay in the 10th century.

Life along the Pasig was easy and breezy. Here, residents went bathing, boating, swimming, fishing. Why, they could simply lower their lines or fishnets from their windows into the river and have fresh fish on their table every day!

The river bustled with activity. Paraws plied the fabled waterway, ferrying drinking water, food and assorted goods to markets and warehouses.

And believe it or not, the water was so clear you could see what lay at the bottom of the river. As far as your eyes could see, everything was sparkling blue and lush green. Let’s take a look around and see.

There was Binondo, a bustling commercial hub, where you’d find a shopping haven called Escolta. Then there was Sta. Cruz, where people went to worship at its historic church. Not far away was Quiapo (from the word cuyapo or water cabbage which was plentiful in the area), known for its Black Nazarene as well as gold, silversmiths and sculptors. On the other hand, Santa Mesa teemed with ilang-ilang trees and a different breed of Sunday worshippers who filled its hippodrome to the rafters. Sampaloc, the home of laundrymen, was no wishy-washy town either.

And of course, there was San Miguel on the northern bank of the river, where lived rich, aristocrat families. (It also became the site of Malacañang Palace, official residence of past Spanish and American governor generals and Filipino presidents. To this day, it seems a lot of people will do everything to hold office in that palace by the Pasig, despite its assorted ghosts from the past and the river’s pollution – but more on that later.)

The prince of Filipino poets Francisco Balagtas wrote Florante at Laura in Pandacan, a place which nurtured his soul and spirit.

Sta. Ana was home away from home for expats who enjoyed its cooler climate and grew their own gardens there.

Paco was alive and roaring with its circular stone cemetery and bullfight arena.

On the other hand, the genteel neighborhood of Ermita and Malate was home to upper-crust society.

The first bridge to span the river was constructed in 1631. Puente de España (Bridge of Spain) was a classic stone bridge lined with gas lamps on the sides. Its beauty was a favorite subject of photographers and artists until it was destroyed during the earthquake of 1863 and became but a sweet memory. Later, it was replaced by the Jones Bridge and the rest, as they say, is current history. In the 1930s, the Puente de Colgante gave way to the Quezon (Quiapo) Bridge, one of the earliest metal suspension bridges in the world and, unknown to many, was designed by the company of Gustav Eiffel, who built the world-famous Eiffel Tower of Paris.

Alas, the river began to die in the 1930s. Today, it’s all but gasping for breath. What has happened to the Pasig River? Who did this to our beloved muse?

Untreated wastes, dumped by factories and commercial/industrial firms which thrived along the riverbanks, accumulated through the decades. Also, there was the growing number of people living by the Pasig, adding to the pollution problem.

Just how polluted is the Pasig? Smell, er, hear this: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Royal Danish government, estimates that the Pasig’s daily pollution load is 327 metric tons per day in terms of BOD or biochemical oxygen demand. (BOD is a standard measure of water quality – the greater the oxygen demand, the more polluted the water.) The main sources of pollution include individual liquid waste (45 percent), domestic liquid waste (45 percent), solid waste (10 percent). Experts say that Pasig River’s BOD exceeds the standard for a Class C body of water by 127 mtpd (a body of water must be kept at 200 BOD level or lower to sustain aquatic life).

By the 1990s, the Pasig River was pronounced biologically dead and a carrier of disease. Its waters have become murky and smelly.

Today, there have been efforts from both private and government sectors to revive the dying Pasig. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Program was launched in 1993 to bring back the glory that was the Pasig River in 15 years through 21 water and riverbank projects at the cost of P15 billion. The Presidential Task Force, chaired by then First Lady Ming Ramos, reported that solid wastes were reduced by half while individual liquid wastes by 35 percent. However, they admitted that domestic liquid wastes, accounting for 60 percent of the river pollution load, were not addressed – and so much more remains to be done.

Enter the Clean & Green Foundation, Inc., Piso Para Sa Pasig, Sagip Pasig Movement, Riverwatch, etc. In 1999, the government formalized its support for the river revival efforts by putting up the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), composed of 12 government agencies and three private sector groups. The PRRC sought the help of urban planner Palafox Associates to draw up a master plan that, by year 2015 (or hopefully, within our lifetime) could make Pasig a revitalized waterway, suitable for both aquatic life and water-based activities. (Or good enough for one to swim across it – didn’t a government minister of Singapore swim across the once polluted Singapore River, if only to prove that it’s now safe for both fish and humans?)

Palafox has proposed subdividing the Pasig into four general areas:

• Heritage Zone: To include the principal historic and heritage sites, from the mouth of the river to Mabini-Nagtahan Bridge, with the country’s grandest structures and cherished sites – Intramuros, Rizal Park, Malacañang and the San Miguel District, Quiapo and downtown Manila.

• Transition Zone: To include Sta. Ana and Pandacan districts, from Nagtahan to Lambingan Bridge, punctuated by industrial areas like the oil depots and factories.

• Central Business District Zone: To include Lambingan to Carlos P. Garcia-C5 Bridge, to supplement the Makati, Mandaluyong and Pasig Central Business Districts. This zone is intended as the main transit hub of the Pasig River, where main modes of transport converge to support high-level land use.

• Agro-Tourism Zone: To include the Old Rizal Capitol Complex up to Taguig, Pateros, Taytay and Laguna de Bai.

The Riverbanks Physical Development Plan envisions the implementation of a 10-meter easement to pave the way for the execution of its projects. The plan has identified vacant lots and blighted areas which, when cleared, are prime sites for urban renewal projects.

Here’s more: There will be 10 parks along the 27-km stretch of the Pasig, four more bridges, a ferry system and parallel modes of transportation.

Last year, we received a different, nay, refreshing, kind of Christmas gift: A CD titled Muling Aawit ang Pasig, a collection of classic and contemporary songs inspired by the River Pasig, and a Pasig River Heritage Map (which includes the route runners take in the annual Pasig River Heritage Marathon).

According to Celeste Legaspi Gallardo, the CD harnesses the gifts and energies of some of the country’s best musical talents – in itself a cause for celebration.

Let the lyrics of Muling Aawit ang Pasig (by Moy Ortiz/Floy Quintos) ring in our hearts and inspire us to become pebbles of change:

Muling aawit ang Pasig,

Muling aagos ang tubig

Muling magtataglay ng buhay

ang ilog na namamatay.

Tayo ang s’yang bubuhay

pangako’y di nawawalay,

awit natin ang bubuhay

Pasig, ’di ka mamamatay.

Himig ay pagsama-samahin,

ang lakas ay iaalay.

Bagong mata at isip ang gamitin

upang ang ilog ay buhayin.

PASIG, MULING MABUBUHAY

[sandrin]

The River adjacent to Pasig River, (dunno where to post)
The picture shows the commendable rescue of the Marikina River and the natural vegetation surrounding the River bank. Thanks to Bayani Fernando!
http://www.geocities.com/charitydy/marikina/bigshoe02.JPEG
If the shoe fits, the Marikina giant shoe statue, another industry Marikina is famous for
http://www.geocities.com/charitydy/marikina/plaza01.JPEG

[Solblanc]

Hay nako siguro ang Pasig Rehabilitation aabot ng mga ilang dekada! Dahil sa kahanga-hanga nating gobyerno diba? Kung yung mga daan at mga iba pang proyektong mas mahalaga di ma-ayos-ayos eto pa kaya!? Hay nako ulit, maghintay nalang siguro tayo hanggang maging 1st world country ang Pinas para ma-solve lahat ng problema...

this is a problem that cannot be solved by mere efficiency. Cleaning up a river as polluted as the pasig is a long and laborious task in itself. The fastest we can clean up the river is around six to twelve years, and that is assuming that all sectors are working hand in hand for this to happen

[jbkayaker12]

The River adjacent to Pasig River, (dunno where to post)
The picture shows the commendable rescue of the Marikina River and the natural vegetation surrounding the River bank. Thanks to Bayani Fernando!
http://www.geocities.com/charitydy/marikina/bigshoe02.JPEG
If the shoe fits, the Marikina giant shoe statue, another industry Marikina is famous for
http://www.geocities.com/charitydy/marikina/plaza01.JPEG

Marikina City officials are very disciplined and same can be said of its citizens. I have relatives living in SSS Village and Rancho Estates. They follow the rules set forth by the city government. I also noticed they dont leave their garbage on the ground but rather hung from a gate or a tree, perhaps so that scavenger dogs if there is any wont make a mess.

Regarding the shoe being in the middle of the river, I dont think it is a proper place for the shoe to be exhibited. Tacky. It's a well known fact that Marikina once had a thriving shoe industry and city officials are trying to revive it. As always locals should show its support to make it a reality.

Manila officials visited Chicago in the past to have a look at how Chicago turned its rivers from a dying one to clean and well managed area in the city.

Continually dredging the Pasig river can help revive the once pristine river but it will take a long time. Removing derelict barges aside from dredging can also help lessen floodings during the typhoon season.

[sandrin]

I agree, that is not the ideal location for the shoe statue. I was a bit astound the first time I saw the photo though I couldn't help but admire the river bank background. Last I heard, that shoe was destroyed by the typhoons last year. I guess they are quick to build their icon back.

Back to Pasig River, if I remember correctly, the clean-up started during Amelita Ramos Piso para sa Pasig program. Let say it was '96/'97, so it is safe to assume that the clean-up is almost 10 years now.
Though I've heard comments that the Piso para sa Pasig has initiated the rescue of the dead river and helped reduce the trash and algae growth, it's current state will not pass the environmental standard. If the clean-up campaign is pursued relentlessly and the factories and residents are persuaded to move out, it will take another (more or less) 10-15 years to pass the environmental standard. Add the number of years since tha Piso para sa Pasig clean-up drive has started and you'll get more or less 20-25 yrs. There's going to be a long road ahead, let's just hope it's straight and not winding/crooked.

[pau_p1]

I think in revitalizing the Pasig... all the esteros and creeks leading to it should also be cleaned and cleared of legal and illegal structures....

[jbkayaker12]

Regarding Pasig river, for any efforts by city officials to bear fruit, they must first educate the public of the consequences of their actions.

[ThisFire]

That was a great article. It further emphasizes the grand era of the Pasig that most of us have heard about from our parents or grandparents while we were growing up. I did. In the story, it said that the 1930s was when the river started to die. So sad. My father told me that when he was a young one in the 50s, that the Pasig was so blue in most parts still and that they would swim and fish in it. So that means it took a while for it to become a totally dirty river.

When I went to visit the Philippines at the end of 2003, I noticed something while at Intramuros. While at the lookout, I saw lots of lilypads as that part was famous for, and I was surprised to see fishes swimming nearby. And I also visited the Marikina part of the river and that is probably the cleanest part (or is it also the Malacanang part?) due to Marikina's conservation/preservation laws. I hope they can get things back to almost the level it was at before. :)

[Peksman]

One sad thing I have noticed though with the Pasig River re-development, in particular Atienza's repaving of the section from Intramuros to the Post Office, is that it does not seem to be attracting anybody! Looking at Dudz's amazing pictures of the area makes you wonder why there is nobody there. His pictures are stark because they lack people!! It is like they were taken during Holy Week.

I have been to this riverside development a couple of times and never have I seen anybody there, even in small numbers. Most every other place in Manila is teeming with pedestrians, vagabonds, street kids, vendors, tourists, etc but the Pasig River bank promenade is empty. Even the nearby Arroceros Forest Park is always empty.

It is not like the river stinks or is too polluted for passersby. Manila Bay has the same garbage and smell problem but the Baywalk, the area behind Quirino Grandstand, the CCP Grounds and even the area behind the SM Mall of Asia construction is always full of promenaders.

I wonder if anyone has an explanation on why people don't walk along the Pasig. This is intriguing me no end, particularly since the Marikina river does not have this problem, big ugly shoe notwithstanding. Or maybe it is the shoe that is attracting people....

[Lili]

I just wrote in another thread that one good way to attract people there and perhaps also encourage the people and industries in the vicinity to keep the area clean and pollution-free is to give incentives to businesses willing to set up cafes or eateries in the area. It will generate jobs, revenues and attract people to go there. Later, also set up river-rides such as ferries and water taxis plying the Pasig river.

[ThisFire]

I just wrote in another thread that one good way to attract people there and perhaps also encourage the people and industries in the vicinity to keep the area clean and pollution-free is to give incentives to businesses willing to set up cafes or eateries in the area. It will generate jobs, revenues and attract people to go there. Later, also set up river-rides such as ferries and water taxis plying the Pasig river.


This idea sounds good, Lili. It is an idea that would be a win-win situation for almost every part.

[kryptonite]

Pasig River pics taken from Fort Santiago two weeks ago..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/su_819/manila/pasig_river_post_office.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/su_819/manila/binondo_pasig_river.jpg

[overtureph]

One sad thing I have noticed though with the Pasig River re-development, in particular Atienza's repaving of the section from Intramuros to the Post Office, is that it does not seem to be attracting anybody! Looking at Dudz's amazing pictures of the area makes you wonder why there is nobody there. His pictures are stark because they lack people!! It is like they were taken during Holy Week.

I have been to this riverside development a couple of times and never have I seen anybody there, even in small numbers. Most every other place in Manila is teeming with pedestrians, vagabonds, street kids, vendors, tourists, etc but the Pasig River bank promenade is empty. Even the nearby Arroceros Forest Park is always empty.

It is not like the river stinks or is too polluted for passersby. Manila Bay has the same garbage and smell problem but the Baywalk, the area behind Quirino Grandstand, the CCP Grounds and even the area behind the SM Mall of Asia construction is always full of promenaders.

I wonder if anyone has an explanation on why people don't walk along the Pasig. This is intriguing me no end, particularly since the Marikina river does not have this problem, big ugly shoe notwithstanding. Or maybe it is the shoe that is attracting people....


It is curious why the place seems to be deserted. It's good that cityhall paid attention to that area which used to be filthy, although I haven't seen the present improvement yet.

My theory is, there seems to be one big open space but with very little greenery or trees to provide shade to would be promenaders. Based from the pictures, I didn't see any park benches also where people could rest or just sit and watch the view (if you could call the surrounding area that). Theres also the smell of the polluted river to contend with. It would be easier also to commute to the place than to bring a car, since parking in these area is a bit far.

But I guess, give it some time and it will be colonized by vendors and people would then come. If the river improves (which I hope it will) it would be nice to see or have a coffee shop in that area. Coffee by the river.

[Peksman]

There's actually a lot of parking around the Intramuros area near the old Aduana where the river park begins. And the river does not stink anymore, particularly the area near the Manila Bay.

I am truly stumped why no one goes to this park.

[kiretoce]

Pasig River pics taken from Fort Santiago two weeks ago..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/su_819/manila/pasig_river_post_office.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/su_819/manila/binondo_pasig_river.jpg

The river looks cleaner than what I remember....no floating debris and garbage. A step closer to being fully rehabilitated. :okay: I know there was discussion about this before, but the banks of the river should be cleared and spruced up and have it the venue for trendy shopping, dinning and entertainment. :colgate:

[KulasKusgan]

yeah, its cleaner now. are there any sewerage or wastewater treatment plants?

[dudz]

The river looks cleaner than what I remember....no floating debris and garbage. A step closer to being fully rehabilitated. :okay: I know there was discussion about this before, but the banks of the river should be cleared and spruced up and have it the venue for trendy shopping, dinning and entertainment. :colgate:
well, it's a cycle actually...the pasig river drains into manila bay, when the rainy season comes, the water level rises, continuously flows towards the bay and the river is 'cleaned'...but during summer when the river is virtually stagnant...that's when the problems with wastes come in.

[mysaong03]

There's actually a lot of parking around the Intramuros area near the old Aduana where the river park begins. And the river does not stink anymore, particularly the area near the Manila Bay.

I am truly stumped why no one goes to this park.


i also got intrigued w/ that!! but u know what, my guess is the place is just a bit boring. the walkway from arroceros to post office needs more to appeal & excite pedestrians. at least the sunset in the bay is an instant attraction itself, & yeah so is the giant shoe. a single bulky thing somewhere around that area should serve as the main attraction. the cafes, mini concert entertainment & other food shops will then serve as 'accessories'

:)

[cruizer323000]

thanks for the pics!!!

[Lili]

I've got to keep this alive. Any photos, news and developments?

[sandrin]

The Pasig Ferry system is expected to be operational in February of next year. That's only a few months away. I hope that the relocation of the squatters along the riverbanks will be fastracked also. The companies located along the Pasig River side that refused to move should be required to treat their own water-waste.
Wouldn't it be awesome if the Pasig riverbanks are lined up with trees and lampposts.

[manileño]

Pasig River pics taken from Fort Santiago two weeks ago..


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/su_819/manila/binondo_pasig_river.jpg


WOW! PROGRESS!!!

[drfeelgood17]

Wow Pasig looks a lot cleaner!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/su_819/manila/binondo_pasig_river.jpg[/QUOTE]

[kyle@1008]

filipinos must think positive first than move and believ in themselves....

[manileño]

filipinos must think positive first than move and believ in themselves....


indeed

[Lili]

The Pasig Ferry system is expected to be operational in February of next year. That's only a few months away. I hope that the relocation of the squatters along the riverbanks will be fastracked also. The companies located along the Pasig River side that refused to move should be required to treat their own water-waste.
Wouldn't it be awesome if the Pasig riverbanks are lined up with trees and lampposts.

Indeed! That's exciting news. I'm looking forward to that. Hopefully, if there is going to be relocation, that it will be peaceful and mutually beneficial. I have always looked at it this way, that for those who have been living there for decades, they should be made stewards of keeping the river clean and beautiful. Empower them. Give them responsibility and livelihood to make them invested in beautifying the river. Create picturesque housing with proper drainage and make it mixed income (i.e. allocate low-cost units to those who have been living near the river banks for decades and give them an affordable payment package.) As for the industries who dumped their industrial wastes in the River, they should be charged really exorbitant penalties and fees. They are the bigger abusers of the River. They should be the ones relocated.

[ryanr]

The Pasig Ferry system is expected to be operational in February of next year. That's only a few months away. I hope that the relocation of the squatters along the riverbanks will be fastracked also. The companies located along the Pasig River side that refused to move should be required to treat their own water-waste.
Wouldn't it be awesome if the Pasig riverbanks are lined up with trees and lampposts.

Yeah, if only the riverbanks where well developed with trees, plazas, etc.

[marites4]

Even makati cant' do this . Why can't makati with all its revenues beautify its side of Pasig.

[ryanr]

Even makati cant' do this . Why can't makati with all its revenues beautify its side of Pasig.

Binay...enough said.:D

[Aragon]

i wish the plan to annex the oil plant to rockwell will push through....this will help the beautification of the river

[manileño]

Ayala Bridge

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/pasigriver.jpg

Jones Bridge

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/pasigriver2.jpg


http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/pasigriver3.jpg

[weirdo]

Even makati cant' do this . Why can't makati with all its revenues beautify its side of Pasig.

makati has been building beautiful walks from makati park (in front of makati university) to guadalupe bliss to the area under the edsa bridge for ages. ever since i was a kid they've been doing all sorts of stuff there. unfortunately not one is strong enough to stand the test of time. sometimes they don't find their own previous projects beautiful enough that's why they have to tear it down again and again.

now the sides of the river are u/c. but the one before is already all right. maybe they just want another project in order to get kickbacks again.

i dunno with makati. they have really good projects like the public school systems, the city hall is fine inside and gives lots of jobs to residences of makati. i think they are also trying to be aware of the city's heritage and history and the cleaning and planting projects are effective.

but the rest are rubbish. the beautification projects in osmena cor buendia etc are nothing compared to much more impressive projects in manila.

gen yabut circle (guad commcl complex, terminal of delpan, leon guinto, cartimar, pateros, fti taguig, gate 3 market market, guad mrt) beautification is pathetic. lots of sidewalk vendors trying to recreate sidewalks in carriedo or divisoria area. but this area is very busy with commuters from all around the metro. should be free from all those venders of pirated dvd and xxx vcds and substandard shirts and all stupid stuff. there are stalls in the mall! there's an area in the wet market.

and mmda is not doing their best. they just have schedules for mock cleaning of sidewalks and then see them hang around with the same vendors who cursed them to death a while ago a few hours later. and to think that mmda's hq is in guadalupe nuevo! :bash:

[weirdo]

nice pics manileno! can't decide which bridge is my fave. definitely not quezon with all those poo poos. eew.

[Lili]

Ang ganda ng pictures na ipinost ni Manileno. Kaakit-akit.

[tigidig14]

^ at kaliga-ligaya

[amigo32]

^ at kamangha-mangha

[Lili]

at kahali-halina. Ayun pala ay mayamungmong sa amoy ng Pasig.

[c0kelitr0]

makati is actually trying to beautify the guadalupe bank of pasig right now.

[Animo]

"Filipinos want beauty. I have to look beautiful so that the poor Filipinos will have a star to look at from their slums."

http://www.born-today.com/Today/pix/marcos_i.jpg

:jk:

[tigidig14]

at kahali-halina. Ayun pala ay mayamungmong sa amoy ng Pasig.

:lol: u guys retarded :lol:

[Æsahættr]

"Filipinos want beauty. I have to look beautiful so that the poor Filipinos will have a star to look at from their slums."

http://www.born-today.com/Today/pix/marcos_i.jpg

:jk:

hahaha she is soo entertaining... in her dream world...

[ryanr]

excellent pics, manileno:okay:

[renell]

There's around about 4 bridges, maybe 5 with the LRT bridge that spans the Pasig near its mouth in Manila, after that.. I can only think of 2, the EDSA bridge and one solitary one further up the river in Pasig....

[ryanr]

You mean the C5 bridge? There is also another one spanning from Makati to Mandaluyong from Makati ave.

[manileño]

makati is actually trying to beautify the guadalupe bank of pasig right now.


yea, the banks of guadalupe and boni across are something to look forward to.

[manileño]

at kaiga-igaya, kaaya-aya, kaanya-anyaya.

[Lili]

kaanya-anya? Nag-imbento ka yata ng salita Manileno.

[sista]

ah Pasig and her sad state. She's like a woman waiting for her prince to save her from the evil hands of the wicked witch lol

[dudz]

makati is actually trying to beautify the guadalupe bank of pasig right now.here are some pix, fhoy...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/makati%20view/a2264133.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/makati%20view/2cd4183e.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/makati%20view/ca6eedec.jpg

and on the other side, we have these...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/e65a17bc.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/84266505.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/1e3f1bd9.jpg

[dudz]

There's around about 4 bridges, maybe 5 with the LRT bridge that spans the Pasig near its mouth in Manila, after that.. I can only think of 2, the EDSA bridge and one solitary one further up the river in Pasig....there are actually 10, renell, maybe more and not counting the rail bridges: del pan, jones, macarthur, quezon, ayala, nagtahan, sta. ana (is this the lambingan?), makati-mandaluyong, edsa, C5.

[KulasKusgan]

Dudz ('dowds' accdg to cass), ok yang gawad kalinga pics mo parang eskwelahan ng mga kindergarten, makulay!

[thomasian]

Ang ganda nung mini-skyline.
At pupunuin pa yun ng GA-2 saka ng Gateway Garden Heights North, South, East and West Tower (currently pre-selling); Gateway Garden Ridge, and Cybergate 2.

[Eriq]

Because nobody has done it here yet and it seems that everybody is doing it everywhere, here's my little contribution to this thread:

Anak ng Pasig
Geneva Cruz

Anak ng Pasig
Geneva Cruz

Ako'y umusbong sa tabi ng Pasig
Nagisnan ang ilog na itim ang tubig
Lumaking paligid ang bundok na umuusok
Langhap na langhap ang amoy ng basurang bulok

Ganyan ang buhay ng anak ng Pasig
Pa-swimming swimming sa itim na tubig
Playground lang ang bundok ng basura niyo
Musika'y ugong ng kotse at bangka niyo

Chorus:
Anak ng Pasig naman kayo
Kalat doon, kalat dito
Natakpan na ang langit kong ito
Nilason din ang Ilog ko
Anak ng Pasig naman kayo
Tapon doon, tapon dito
Di niyo alam ang tinatapon niyo
Ay bukas ko at ng buong mundo

Akala ko'y ganoon talaga ang mundo
Hanggang makakita ako ng lumang litrato
Di maniwalang Pasig rin ang tinitingnan ko
Kaibigan ano ang nangyari dito

(Repeat Chorus)

Huli na ba ang lahat
Patay na ba ang ilog at dagat
Kapag pasig ay pinabayaan
Parang bukas ang tinalikuran

(Repeat Chorus)

Anak ng Pasig naman kayo
May bukas pa ang ating mundo ...

[ThisFire]

here are some pix, fhoy...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/makati%20view/a2264133.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/makati%20view/2cd4183e.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/makati%20view/ca6eedec.jpg

and on the other side, we have these...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/e65a17bc.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/84266505.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/1e3f1bd9.jpg

Beautiful pictures. They're beautiful in how they are but also in what they aim - to beautify. I like the Aruba-Miami-Argentina-Brazil look they're doing by the river with the colourful buildings. Very tropical.

[Jefferyi]

Man, I almost missed your shots Master dudz kasi nastereotyped ko na puro sanitary probs lang anything Pasig-related. Buti na lang mali ako kita ko ganda na rin pala Pasig ala riverbank by Manila Post Office.

[tigidig14]

^ako rin eh. from what i know kasi, pasig is just a big estero. good thing dudz opened my eyes, alleluya. i dont know about if i should open my nose too but alleluya with that too

[kyle@1008]

Because nobody has done it here yet and it seems that everybody is doing it everywhere, here's my little contribution to this thread:

Anak ng Pasig
Geneva Cruz

Anak ng Pasig
Geneva Cruz

Ako'y umusbong sa tabi ng Pasig
Nagisnan ang ilog na itim ang tubig
Lumaking paligid ang bundok na umuusok
Langhap na langhap ang amoy ng basurang bulok

Ganyan ang buhay ng anak ng Pasig
Pa-swimming swimming sa itim na tubig
Playground lang ang bundok ng basura niyo
Musika'y ugong ng kotse at bangka niyo

Chorus:
Anak ng Pasig naman kayo
Kalat doon, kalat dito
Natakpan na ang langit kong ito
Nilason din ang Ilog ko
Anak ng Pasig naman kayo
Tapon doon, tapon dito
Di niyo alam ang tinatapon niyo
Ay bukas ko at ng buong mundo

Akala ko'y ganoon talaga ang mundo
Hanggang makakita ako ng lumang litrato
Di maniwalang Pasig rin ang tinitingnan ko
Kaibigan ano ang nangyari dito

(Repeat Chorus)

Huli na ba ang lahat
Patay na ba ang ilog at dagat
Kapag pasig ay pinabayaan
Parang bukas ang tinalikuran

(Repeat Chorus)

Anak ng Pasig naman kayo
May bukas pa ang ating mundo ...

that's such a beautiful song...

[kyle@1008]

I just realized that Geneva went from smokey mountain to pasig ...

[marites4]

and her nose went a long with it.

[tigidig14]

^ :hilarious

[marites4]

the pathway walkway is nice. I wish they would fix the rails they really look old and decrepid.

[Lili]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/84266505.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/1e3f1bd9.jpg

Wow, very Carribean or Miami-like colors. They are really beginning to beautify the area. Thumbs-up :okay: Thank you again, Dudz!

[Wonderboy]

http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/catw/image/671915982005_442310982005fr000912l.jpg
Pasig River 1960's

http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/catw/image/3901718982005_583113982005fr000922l.jpg
Pasig river near port area Manila (1960's)

[manileño]

What area is this? a lot of ugly roofs. We started having squatters in the 60's?

[kyle@1008]

yes.. after the war.... manila:sa kuko ng liwanag

[dudz]

What area is this? a lot of ugly roofs. We started having squatters in the 60's?i never thought i would actually post these photos until today:)
well, this is going to be a sort of 'then and now' thing...

before...
http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/catw/image/3901718982005_583113982005fr000922l.jpg

today...that building in the foreground is the building in the middle of this photo. it's in aduana st. in intramuros.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/104af5d6.jpg

since this is near fort santiago...so that area across the river looks like this today
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/b43dec16.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/5a7ab6cb.jpg

a depressed area across fort santiago
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/IMG_0168s.jpg

and this bridge is the del pan bridge
http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/catw/image/671915982005_442310982005fr000912l.jpg

here's how it looks today...
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/3a568bba.jpg

[Lili]

Why does the before picture of Del Pan Bridge look better than how it looks like today?

[dudz]

btw, thanks for those photos wonderboy!:)

Dudz ('dowds' accdg to cass), ok yang gawad kalinga pics mo parang eskwelahan ng mga kindergarten, makulay!
Beautiful pictures. They're beautiful in how they are but also in what they aim - to beautify. I like the Aruba-Miami-Argentina-Brazil look they're doing by the river with the colourful buildings. Very tropical.
Wow, very Carribean or Miami-like colors. They are really beginning to beautify the area. Thumbs-up Thank you again, Dudz!
thanks dave, thisfire, and lili:). well, this colorful portion of the north bank is actually surrounded by those factories.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/a9e15af9.jpg
and hopefully other areas follow suit. btw, there is also a similar project along the marikina river...though not exactly on the edge of the river.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/east%20metro/76c6a278.jpg
Man, I almost missed your shots Master dudz kasi nastereotyped ko na puro sanitary probs lang anything Pasig-related. Buti na lang mali ako kita ko ganda na rin pala Pasig ala riverbank by Manila Post Office. sadly though the manila project is slowly wearing off, jefferyi. they hardly maintain the rebuilt areas! and a lot of vagrants are out there.
^ako rin eh. from what i know kasi, pasig is just a big estero. good thing dudz opened my eyes, alleluya. i dont know about if i should open my nose too but alleluya with that too pwede mo na ring buksan, tigz:D. di sya mabaho ngayon...di tulad pag summer:yaiks! kita mo naman malinis na ang tubig at may mangilan-ngilan na lilies. saka marami ring fish...yung janitor fish kung tawagin. nway, pasig river is like that...it's a cycle. during and after rainy season: good. during summer: bad.:doh:
the pathway walkway is nice. I wish they would fix the rails they really look old and decrepid. it looks like they're fixing everything, maritess. may mga additional lightings din aside from the streetlights.

[dudz]

Why does the before picture of Del Pan Bridge look better than how it looks like today?maybe because it's new? :D. well, manila really looked a lot better during those times as many of the old photos would show. malinis and looks organized. pati mga tao...mas disiplinado. that's what i think. maybe there are other reasons.

[Askal82]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/84266505.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/1e3f1bd9.jpg

The buildings look so fruity. It would be a lot better if they just take those factories out, renovate those classical buildings alongside the river, develop its banks (that includes planting trees) and just clean the damn river. Bring Manila back to its former glory.

[tigidig14]

^it was so sad because a teenage boy just recently died of drowning in pasig. he jumped along with his friend and when he didnt float, his friend started to look for him but the river was too dark. they couldnt anything but wait or until his body floats. it was very sad :no:

[marites4]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/84266505.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/1e3f1bd9.jpg

The buildings look so fruity. It would be a lot better if they just take those factories out, renovate those classical buildings alongside the river, develop its banks (that includes planting trees) and just clean the damn river. Bring Manila back to its former glory.
I like the pastel colored ones myself. THese bright colors look too blinding and African looking. The other houses have a more SAn francisco look.

[mhe-ann]

buti di nakakasawang pasalamatan at purihin itong si sir dudz sa mga photos nya. :D

[Animo]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/84266505.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/mandaluyong/1e3f1bd9.jpg

The buildings look so fruity. It would be a lot better if they just take those factories out, renovate those classical buildings alongside the river, develop its banks (that includes planting trees) and just clean the damn river. Bring Manila back to its former glory.

I agree. It looks so cheezy and as somebody said African looking.

[tigidig14]

^are those the houses that bahay-kalinga tries to make it looks nicer

[Lili]

It does look like one of those Bahay Kalinga projects.

[Askal82]

It does look like one of those Bahay Kalinga projects.

they should have harmonize the colors to improve its aesthetic value.

[marites4]

I bet they chose those colors because they are the cheapest colors available.

[manileño]

not bad for a slum?

[tigidig14]

I bet they chose those colors because they are the cheapest colors available.

besides its free from kalinga

[IsaganiZenze]

what's so bad about "African" looking? and what is "African" looking...just wondering....

[marites4]

AFrican looking ,carribean looking, very loud colors painted on concrete . Its not bad ,it's just a different look that doesn't really look good on pasig river banks. But at least better than tin roof shanties right. What they should do is relocate every dweller fr the river banks instead of trying to "redecorate them" A short term half baked solution.

[marites4]

besides its free from kalinga
Gawad kalinga should make Nipa huts. they're probably cheaper and more pleasant to look at. That's what our ancestors used so i don't see why it wouldn't work.

[Animo]

Gawad kalinga should make Nipa huts. they're probably cheaper and more pleasant to look at. That's what our ancestors used so i don't see why it wouldn't work.

I guess Nipa huts with a little modernization. :)

[Lili]

Nipa huts are nice but you cannot go back to being rustic when you are in the Metropolis. Maybe when Pasig river reaches its more provincial tributaries.

[Kaiser]

well good for Pasig river

[OtAkAw]

Nipa Huts are ok, IF they are modeled according to the architecture of Amanpulo Resort's Casitas. Isnt it they based their suites by the design of the pinoy Bahay Kubo?

[Kaiser]

bump:colgate:

[Sinjin P.]

^ Nice colorful houses.

[thomasian]

btw, thanks for those photos wonderboy!:)...there is also a similar project along the marikina river...though not exactly on the edge of the river.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/east%20metro/76c6a278.jpg

I have more pics of this project. Courtesy of MANUAL Magazine, July 2005 issue from the article "IN LIVING COLORS".

The colors are vibrant and lively:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual2.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual1.jpg

The windows are nice...
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual3.jpg

...but upon closer inspection reveals some crude finishing.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual5.jpg

This handpainted sign looks foreign:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual4.jpg

Some of the yellow paint on the pavement have peeled already... I like the faux-brick finishing on the walls:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual7.jpg

Some parts look old and abandoned:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b210/ofngol/manual6.jpg

[Sinjin P.]

^^ Wow, what a creative background for a fashion and lifestyle magazine! :D

[Aragon]

.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/east%20metro/76c6a278.jpg
i've just recently able to visit the marikina river park for the first time last sunday....while i was strolling through the park, i noticed na yun side pala ng river is made up of old dikes.....imagine the whole river park is underwater back then.....with good leadership by fernando.....ang linis linis na ng mga estero nila and ang linis linis

[tigidig14]

off the topic: my bros real name is Grandeur :lol:

[Lili]

I really like the design ad concept. It's good you caught that Aaron.

[sandrin]

Bump......

What's up with the proposed February ferry service opening?

[Hawayano]

Here I go again with another of the old pics--I felt this one belonged more in this thread than the "Then and Now" thread, since it gives us an idea as to how selective reconstruction can enhance the character of the river bank houses (not so sure as to who would want that smell permeating their home all the time). At any rate, this seems more appropriate than the pseudo-Amsterdam look.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/pasighousescolorpc.jpg

[dudz]

Bump......

What's up with the proposed February ferry service opening?
they're just starting to build the boat stations...

behind the immigration bldg.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/ac7238bd.jpg

escolta
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/634d8dfa.jpg

[dudz]

north bank of pasig river in binondo...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/05dfd517.jpg

don't know how far west this development will go...probably up to delpan bridge, kaya lang maraming illegal settlers sa area na 'yun.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/manila/a684957a.jpg

[sista]

^^ nice pics!!! I hope they take out the illegal settlers :)

[Askal82]

Kaganda ng Pasig!! Well, in the future those squatters will be relocated whether they like it or not. They can't stop development!!

[MarkiiBoi]

From Palafox Associates (http://www.palafoxoutsourcing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=49)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/MarkiiBoi2/Capture_013.jpg

[aUen]

^^ that is so beautiful!!

its not impossible if we have the money. someone has to inform discovery about this; for another episode of extreme engineering :lol:

[Animo]

Here I go again with another of the old pics--I felt this one belonged more in this thread than the "Then and Now" thread, since it gives us an idea as to how selective reconstruction can enhance the character of the river bank houses (not so sure as to who would want that smell permeating their home all the time). At any rate, this seems more appropriate than the pseudo-Amsterdam look.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/pasighousescolorpc.jpg

Wow, nice I didn't see this. How I wish we can all travel back in time. :)

[Hawayano]

Wow, nice I didn't see this. How I wish we can all travel back in time. :)


Animo, I forgot to mention that this picture was taken from the old Puente de España, looking upstream toward where the Santa Cruz (a.k.a. MacArthur) Bridge would be in today's background. So this row of old houses were just east of where Calle Nueva met the Pasig.

[richard24]

From Palafox Associates (http://www.palafoxoutsourcing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=49)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/MarkiiBoi2/Capture_013.jpg

gosh... is that for real? wow, un lang. wow. :eek2:

[dancethingy]

Hawayano, are you also fond of history? I wish sometimes that we can get back all the treasures lost in the past. sigh

[kirby21]

Agree, the Pasig River area has so much potential it's really sad to see it very dirty. Skyscrapers should be lining up in that area, or atleast some nice buildings.


I agree, too. But I guess Pasig River is improving since the launching of the Piso Para sa Pasig Project. 612, scrapers along Pasig River is a very good idea, indeed.

[kirby21]

From Palafox Associates (http://www.palafoxoutsourcing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=49)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c145/MarkiiBoi2/Capture_013.jpg

absolutely fascinating ! I wish this plan will be realised soon. :)

[MAXTON]

GANDA!!! Wish ko lang!!!

[ewh1]

That looks amazing!, on second look.. isn't that Rockwell and that tower is Lopez Tower?
Hopefully Pasig will look like that in the future

[kuyageezer]

^^ nice pics!!! I hope they take out the illegal settlers :)

Is "illegal settlers" a beautified name for squatters?

[_zner_]

i doubt for that pic.. :(

[normandb]

Is "illegal settlers" a beautified name for squatters?

they are the upper class of squatters :D

[sista]

Is "illegal settlers" a beautified name for squatters?

yup! feeling sossy eh lol

[Animo]

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered the immediate shutdown of the arrastre operations along the portion of the bank of Pasig River behind the Bureau of Immigration Building last July of 2001. Atienza's directive was in response to mounting complaints by motorists that the area has been transformed into a veritble parking area for trucks as a result of the illegal arrastre operations, forcing traffic to a standstill at most times of the day. The portion of the riverbank behind the Bureau of Immigration building has also deteriorated due to the heavy load of trucks and cargo being loaded and unloaded in the area.

After reviving plaza, playgrounds and other public places in the city, the city of Manila targets areas beside Pasig River such as San Nicolas St. in Binondo on the north bank and the area behind the Bureau of Immigration building in the south bank of the river for redevelopment, the Muelle del Rio Promenade project.

The efforts of Mayor Lito Atienza to redevelop the portion of the Pasig River (Muelle del Rio) have not gone unnoticed.

Roystone Brockman, housing and urban finance consultant of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program of the Asian Development Bank, informed the mayor that the financial institutionwas impressed with his efforts to redevelop the area and offered to provide financing.

For decades, said portion of the river has been choked with barges berthed on both banks, and the road behind the Bureau of Immigration on its north bank obstructed by cargo trucks, causing daily traffic jams.

"We intend to install lights on the side of the road beside the river and convert it into a promenade, while San Nicolas on the south bank will be developed into a open space with al fresco cafes, restaurant and shopping stalls similar to Clark Quay in Singapore," Atienza explained.

He added tat the city government would also be lighting up the major bridges to provide accent spanning the Pasig River such as Del Pan, Jones, Mc Arthur, Quezon, Ayala, Nagtahan and Lambingan bridges.

Bright lights will be installed along the underbelly of these bridges so it would also brighten up the Pasig River. The lights to b installed along the underbelly of the said bridges are the type used to illuminate monuments.

************ June 23, 2003

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo today led Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and other city officials in inaugurating the newly established Muelle Del Rio Linear Park (Pasig River Promenade Project) that stretches from the Philippine-Mexican Friendship Plaza beside the Bureau of Immigration building up to the rear of the Post Office building.

The funding for the project, which was implemented by the City of Manila with the permission of President Arroyo, came from the national government and was released upon instructions of the latter.

The construction of the Muelle del Rio Linear Park started last May 12 and was finished June 22 as work was done day and night. The project is part of the national government's master plan for the Pasig River rehabilitation program under the Pasig River Commission, and includes the establishment of about fifteen linear parks on both the north and south banks of the river.

The City of Manila has also pedestrianized and has transformed Tomas Pinpin St. from Escolta up to the south bank of the Pasig River into a promenade area.

Atienza thanked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for providing funding for the construction of Muelle del Rio Linear Park, pointing out that it was a national government project with the City of Manila tasked to implement it.

[Animo]

http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/photofiles/pasigpromenade.jpg
Manila Mayor Lito Atienza is joined by City Architech Deogracias Tablan during an ocular inspection of the ongoing Pasig River Promenade Project (Muelle Del Rio Linear Park) which is being undertaken with funding support from the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, a national government agency. No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who ordered the release of funds for the project authorized the City of Manila to implement it will lead the inauguration of the park on Monday, June 23, 2003.

http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/photofiles/escolta.jpg
T. Pinpin Pedestrianization Project

http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/featured%20sites/muelle%20del%20rio%20stair.jpg
THE MUELLE DEL RIO LINEAR PARK, Stairway from Jones Bridge

http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/photofiles/pasigriverside.jpg
The newly constructed Muelle del Rio Linear Park located along the Pasig River's south bank from the back of the Post Office Building up to the Philippine Mexican-Friendship Plaza, is now a favorite leisure and recreation destination.

http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/photofiles/jonesbridge.jpg
Providing accent and color to the park at night, which was constructed by the CIty of Manila with authority from the Pasig River Commission using funds provided by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, is the now well-lighted Jones Bridge.

[3cr]

^^ "We intend to install lights on the side of the road beside the river and convert it into a promenade, while San Nicolas on the south bank will be developed into a open space with al fresco cafes, restaurant and shopping stalls similar to Clark Quay in Singapore," Atienza explained.

Curious lang ako kung bakit hindi muna nila irehabilitate yung Pasig river itself interms of polution level, clarity and smell before planning on redeveloping the open spaces along the river with alfresco cafes and restaurants? Hindi lang kasi kanaisnais kumain, mamasyal at tumambay duon kung mabaho at marumi yung river beside those establishments di ba?

[marites4]

^that's very true. LIke manila bay still stinks. Yan kase si Atienza always half ass ang gawa. Better to start and finish one project perfect and pulido then move on to the next. Maybe if they actually rehabilitate the river first it would cause too much meaning less for their pockets. Why should filipinos always settle for pwede na and second best if we're paying taxes.
the portion of pasig river in Makati have really got to be beautified. remove all the houses there. This is fronting rockwell after all. It's like the only stretch between makati and edsa that's really decrepid.
wala lang ranting

[_zner_]

i love the pictures.

[richard24]

the same project is now on-going in the PUP linear park... ang ganda promise... i'll post pics... the same lights were used... katulad d2,
http://www.cityofmanila.com.ph/photofiles/pasigpromenade.jpg

i'll post them pag meh load nako.

and another thing... i asked the manongs who were still finishing the park kung saan ung ferry station..? dun daw sa dulo... under construction pa ung mismong station... he said... "ser, neleley-awt pa ser." as in its still being layed out pa. hehehe... tinanong ko rin kung kelan magkakaferry..? he said the same thing to me.

[_zner_]

i love some parts of manila.. they are really working on it.. keep it up..

[Sinjin P.]

Thanks to Mayor Lito Atienza.

[3cr]

and another thing... i asked the manongs who were still finishing the park kung saan ung ferry station..? dun daw sa dulo... under construction pa ung mismong station... he said... "ser, neleley-awt pa ser." as in its still being layed out pa. hehehe... tinanong ko rin kung kelan magkakaferry..? he said the same thing to me.

Kanya siguro di na pinagplaplanuhan/pinaguusapan ang paglinis ng Pasig river kasi dudumiham naman din pala ng pollution and by-products from the ferry lines. Since the Pasig river is not really a big body of water, it will quickly deteriorate even further when they institute the ferry lines which is why I hope they do something with cleansing/maintaining the river, especially the smell and water quality. Hindi kasi naman fair for future operators of the proposed alfresco cafes, restaurants, and other establishment to be built along the river kung ganoon kabaho at dumi ng river since it will be hard to attract people to go eat, drink, and hangout in the area due to public health and safety issues/concerns. Ang pangamba ko lang eh kapagpanay buildouts without regard to the environmental impact and the institution of proper periodical maintenance of the affected area baka imbis na maging ala Clark Quay (Singapore) eh maging ala Estero (Manila) lang yang area after so many years. Sana hindi half-ass ang plano/trabaho (panay pakitang tao) kasi sayang naman kung walang longevity yung mga project na inuumpisahan nila...

[Lili]

^^ Hindi ba lahat ng development projects sa Pinas ay may Environmental Impact Assessment?

[marites4]

IN fairness with mayor atienza at least, we have to start somewhere pero parang lageng me kulang ang projects niya ,bitin.

[Sinjin P.]

^^ In what way na "bitin" ?

[richard24]

d naman mashado mabaho ung river... we hang out most of the time dun sa ginagawang linear park samin... its cool... past time namin is magbilang ng basura! hehehe... :lol: i found out na in-demand ang lucky-me at surf... i'll post the pix soon i promise... its cool. better than what they did sa ibang tabi ng pasig river. coz samin madaming trees pa... so its like a park talaga with all the 'S' shaped benches and tables and with the pavilions ang saya... hehehe... atienza and the pasig river rehab din ang gumawa nito... same as dun sa iba.

isa lang ayaw ko kay atienza. ung sa lahat ng projects nya eh makikita mo ung "mala-gigantic-mega-ultra-huge" na mukha nya sa billboard malapit sa project,. like when he "pedestrianized" (tama ba?) teresa street in Sta. Mesa, Manila. for the students of PUP... para daw hindi kami in danger lagi. un kasi ang daan namin papunta sa stop n shop. pero makikita mo ung "mala-gigantic-mega-ultra-huge" na face nya dun sa old sta mesa, weird. as in. freaky. :lol:

[le Reine]

^hehe. Talagang kailangan eh "mala-gigantic-mega-ultra-huge" yung adjective na ginamit mo? Anyway, yes I always see those big billboards of him in baywalk. Haaay... di ka na nasanay sa mga pulitiko na yan.

[richard24]

kelangan talaga ung "mala-gigantic-mega-ultra-huge" na description... sino ba naman hindi magugulantang dun? :lol: oh well, maganda pa rin naman ung project eh... so no fuzz. :)

its supposed to be called "PUP linear park"... but me and my friends.. (who were one the first few people to have graced the park ) gave it a much simpler name... "riverwalk" nyeh. :)

these are the some pix... 2 lang yan. senxa. kulang load ko eh,.
pardon if they're sooooooo tiny... i used my phone eh.

http://i1.tinypic.com/rmjihk.jpg
the roof of the pavilion below. (wala pang bubong kasi d pa tapos) i was trying to get a cool pic of the tree. :)

http://i1.tinypic.com/rmjiqd.jpg
facing south-east (i think?) dulo nito is the future station. (hindi kita dito. malayo pa yun... dun pa tlaga sa dulo)... nasa likod ko ung laboratory high school at unyon. (edit): btw... that bridge you see is the pandacan bridge... (that's also where the PNR passes) pero hiwalay un sa bridge ng cars... :)

[OtAkAw]

Atienza is really doing a great job!!! Just remove his flamboyant billboards saying "Buhayin ang Maynila!! A project of mayor Lito blah blah blah!!!" He need not flaunt his works kasi obvious naman!!! If Puente de Espanya were still around, hmmm... I would probably be the most beautiful city bridge in Asia. I just hope Atienza works for the re-Hispanization of Manila...

[OtAkAw]

^^"I would probably be the most beautiful city bridge in Asia." Oops! May "t" pala dapat after nung "I", baka sabihin nyo ako yung bridge na tinutukoy ko!:)

[manileño]

Atienza is really doing a great job!!! Just remove his flamboyant billboards saying "Buhayin ang Maynila!! A project of mayor Lito blah blah blah!!!" He need not flaunt his works kasi obvious naman!!! If Puente de Espanya were still around, hmmm... I would probably be the most beautiful city bridge in Asia. I just hope Atienza works for the re-Hispanization of Manila...

indeed. and not just Manila but the whole Filipinas. To do this, we must all undergo change in social attitude. Education should be regenerated and history be corrected so that the Filipino would be able to appreciate again his own culture and heritage, a big part of which is undeniably hispanic. Only then can we start to rebuild and treasure our own architecture (and culture and literature and nation) that our ancestors have for centuries mastered and made our own. Cause now, we see Spanish language and architecture as foreign. That shouldn't be the case because that is the heritage we have left and since we see them as foreign and colonial, we destroy them or leave them to decay. There's nothing left. What is Filipino identity and architecture? Plain cement and corrugated iron roof? just so it 'can stand on its own' without any traces of 'abusive and evil' colonial history that did not only change the country's landscape but also the people themselves who still carry it with them without them really knowing it. The Filipino who knows so much of his culture and heritage is NOT a Filipino. :)

Jose Rizal (mestizo-chino), Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy (chino), Andres Bonifacio (mestizo;his mother is half-spanish), and all our heroes and ancestors treasured their hispanic heritage. They fought the colonizers not because they hated the culture they have become but because of the imperatives of nationhood and freedom to govern themselves. They fought the Spanish using the Spanish language. Our first capital is even Malolos, our congress bldg was this spanish Church and all the government departments where housed in Bahay na bato around Barasoain. That is our origin :)

I doubt Malaysia could have come up with Petronas and their other structures without them realizing and embracing their Arabic heritage first. :)

[Askal82]

^^ "We intend to install lights on the side of the road beside the river and convert it into a promenade, while San Nicolas on the south bank will be developed into a open space with al fresco cafes, restaurant and shopping stalls similar to Clark Quay in Singapore," Atienza explained.

Curious lang ako kung bakit hindi muna nila irehabilitate yung Pasig river itself interms of polution level, clarity and smell before planning on redeveloping the open spaces along the river with alfresco cafes and restaurants? Hindi lang kasi kanaisnais kumain, mamasyal at tumambay duon kung mabaho at marumi yung river beside those establishments di ba?

Clark Quay of Singapore? Well, its still a long way to go. He must be dreaming unless he addressed Pasig's deteriorating conditions with swiftness at the same time.

[3cr]

Kanya siguro di na pinagplaplanuhan/pinaguusapan ang paglinis ng Pasig river kasi dudumiham naman din pala ng pollution and by-products from the ferry lines. Since the Pasig river is not really a big body of water, it will quickly deteriorate even further when they institute the ferry lines which is why I hope they do something with cleansing/maintaining the river, especially the smell and water quality. Hindi kasi naman fair for future operators of the proposed alfresco cafes, restaurants, and other establishment to be built along the river kung ganoon kabaho at dumi ng river since it will be hard to attract people to go eat, drink, and hangout in the area due to public health and safety issues/concerns. Ang pangamba ko lang eh kapagpanay buildouts without regard to the environmental impact and the institution of proper periodical maintenance of the affected area baka imbis na maging ala Clark Quay (Singapore) eh maging ala Estero (Manila) lang yang area after so many years. Sana hindi half-ass ang plano/trabaho (panay pakitang tao) kasi sayang naman kung walang longevity yung mga project na inuumpisahan nila... ^^ Hindi ba lahat ng development projects sa Pinas ay may Environmental Impact Assessment? It's politics. Alam mo naman sa Pinas maraming milagrong nagaganap regardless of the environmental impact assessment report. Just that it always seems like these politicians have budgets for the buildout but not plan/budget for the future maintenance and upkeep like what I suspect will happen to the Pasig River.

[vanoy2000]

i wish the esteros in binondo chinatown will look like this.
(kunming pic by rzj2000)
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/9051/kunmingrzj20004ub.jpg

[OtAkAw]

^^sige mangarap pa, hehehehe!!!:)

[richard24]

^^ d naman totaly pangarap yan... pero wag mong asahang maaninag mo pa yan sa lifetime natin... :)

[dudz]

mauunti-unti naman yan. at least may nasimulan na. sana lang magtuloy-tuloy at ma-maintain ang mga halaman, ilaw, upuan, palaruan, etc. until the whole project is finished. nakakatuwa talaga pag malinis at maayos ang ilog pasig at kapaligiran nito...at nae-enjoy ng mga tao :)

richard, maganda na pala dyan sa may lugar nyo sa pup. i also took some photos of the ongoing development in mandaluyong and makati. here are the fotos...

mandaluyong...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/mandaluyong/05321b42.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/mandaluyong/d667464d.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/mandaluyong/a04624cf.jpg

makati...this is near rockwell

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/makati/add96662.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/makati/aee89109.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/makati/b12e9025.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/makati/c92bf978.jpg

and manila...this is at the maestranza area near fort santiago. malaki itong lugar na ito.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/04b1609a.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/560152de.jpg

:)

[dudz]

and these are the ongoing construction of the ferry stations...

at the back of the immigration building neat the mexico plaza...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/9018917b.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/2e28d3a9.jpg

escolta...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/19f6a887.jpg

[tigidig14]

oY ang ganda na rin huh!!!
actually when i was young i swum in the pasig river eventhough when we know that it was you know :lol:
buti nde ako nagkasakit :D
kuya ko kasi eh, atsaka mga kaibigan nya, nung maliit pa naman kami nun eh, he he

[jef7]

Very nice pictures from everybody! They really show very big improvements from the past, and these efforts are commendable. Years ago I remember having a nightmare, of myself falling into the murky waters of Pasig with all the garbage and who knows what... :)

I think this river has a significant associations with the image of Manila and its continuous rehabilitation should help tremendously in boosting the city's tourism. The government should definitely sustain the rehabilitation programs, not just for tourism, but most importantly, for Manila residents who live next or around it, and who deserve nothing more but a clean, vibrant Pasig.

[normandb]

oY ang ganda na rin huh!!!
actually when i was young i swum in the pasig river eventhough when we know that it was you know :lol:
buti nde ako nagkasakit :D
kuya ko kasi eh, atsaka mga kaibigan nya, nung maliit pa naman kami nun eh, he he

anak na pasig ka pala dati..;)

[sista]

Ang ganda ng mga litrato mo maestro dudz! :cheers:

it's nice to see they're beautifying the surrounds of Pasig river. Sana linisin nila yun river mismo at mabuhay na ulit ang "lifeblood" of Manila" like it's hayday :)

[Lili]

Great to see the developments near the Pasig River, Sir Dudz. Sana tuloy-tuloy na ang cleaning, rehabilitation and beautification. And as @3cr mentioned, there has to be a maintenance and upkeep component on the projects.

oY ang ganda na rin huh!!!
actually when i was young i swum in the pasig river eventhough when we know that it was you know :lol:
buti nde ako nagkasakit :D
kuya ko kasi eh, atsaka mga kaibigan nya, nung maliit pa naman kami nun eh, he he

Ikaw pala yung ilan sa mga bata doon na nakita kong nag-swi-swimming sa Pasig. Buti nga hindi ka nagkasakit. Marami yatang nagkaka-tipus pagkaswimming doon.

[OtAkAw]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/makati/aee89109.jpg


Shithead talaga ang Binay na yan!!! Anu ba yan, Makati to, hindi Navotas noh! Dapat mag-reflect ang projects nya sa Makati!

[sandrin]

Oh my goodness, I can feel the pulse of the Pasig River..... it has come back to life. I hope everybody there will do their share to nourish it. Time for Pasig River to re-invent itself. Thanks Dudz and Richard for showing us the progress of the rehabilitation effort.

[IsaganiZenze]

how i wish the wires were not there...takes away from the serenity!

compare these two photos taken by dudz

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/mandaluyong/a04624cf.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/makati/c92bf978.jpg

[ryanr]

thanks for those photos, dudz...Pasig river and its surroundings are looking better.:) Glad they are making an effort. I'll give it more time before i call it beautiful though.

[overtureph]

I hope someday the Pasig river would be teeming with life. I hope it would be in our life time.

[dancethingy]

have they tried to actively clean the pasig river? through natural means. In someplaces an enclosed pond filled with sea sponges (can survive on fresh water) along with plants are used to filter and clean water. Maybe they can do that on the pasig river. It would be relatively inexpensive.

[richard24]

i so love that on-going construction ng station sa escolta... :) mukang maganda xa.

[Batang_genio]

Dudz

Fantastic update on the Pasig! Thanks! Any pix of the Arroceros Forest Park along the Pasig? Have they started building the teacher's facility inside the park? That one was controversial.

[JAMAICUS]

IIII wish they would shut down those heaven forsaken FACTORIES!!!!!!!!!

[richard24]

are those factories near the river still operational? or hindi lang talaga nagigiba?

[JAMAICUS]

^^ Yeah, can anybody answer Richard24's question?

[ryanr]

Yes, some of them. I think the mill right by C5 is still operational.

[richard24]

those huge silo thingies i see along the river are eyesores. bakit d nalang sila mag-locate outside metro manila. advantage din un sakanila coz there's no room for expansion here.

[normandb]

those huge silo thingies i see along the river are eyesores. bakit d nalang sila mag-locate outside metro manila. advantage din un sakanila coz there's no room for expansion here.

They need the Pasig River for the smooth and quick transport of their their produce to the Manila Harbor. Wala pa kasi dating Economic Zones kaya nagkalat lahat yan sa Pasig River..

[JAMAICUS]

Zoning laws should ban this factories!!!

[JustHorace]

^^Some of 'em are owned by Gokongwei if I'm not wrong.

[OtAkAw]

WIth those factories, the beautification of Pasig river's banks would still be a far off dream. They should just be removed, burn them, bomb them, destroy them, shred them, just do anything to eliminate them, basta walang masaktang tao...

[JAMAICUS]

These factories are an eyesore! I wish Palafox's plans does come true!

[JAMAICUS]

Cleaning up the Pasig River



Elinando B Cinco

MANY had tried it before – government instrumentalities, well-meaning individuals, civic groups, concerned corporations – but they all failed. The enemy, the deadly pollution in Pasig River, has always won the war. Since then nobody has dared engage in the battle against the formidable adversary again.


Not until today. Newly designated Secretary Angelo Reyes of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is gearing to fight the pollution that is keeping life away from the Pasig River.

And what makes the Reyes campaign all the more worthy of public support is that the former Army general has also trained his sight on 29 other major rivers in the country. He is bent on clearing them of pollution and bringing back the pristine, healthy and safe waterways they were once.

In Luzon alone, experts at DENR’s environment management bureau have pinpointed 20 rivers and river systems that are either dead or dying. Resuscitating them is a serious challenge to both the government and private individuals and institutions.

Of course, Secretary Reyes knows how to approach the problem, massive as it is. Credit this to his training and experience as a professional soldier and an uncompromising law enforcer. This orientation sets him apart from those who previously attempted to rid Pasig River, in particular, of chemical pollution and solid waste,

Experts are saying the DENR CEO has more than a fair chance of making it. Why are they so sure?

First, he has involved researchers and scientists from UP in the awesome program. Second, a prestigious organization like the World Bank which has international expertise in fighting pollution and water conservation is into the project. And, third, Secretary Reyes has acquired a deep understanding of bringing back to life the biologically dead river systems in the country.

In the main, he has identified the culprits: Industries that dump industrial wastes and squatters who throw solid wastes all into the river. But stopping industrial establishments and relocating squatters are enormous tasks. He is proposing a 10-year plan to accomplish the Herculean job.

Pasig River flows a stretch of 25 kilometers, from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. There are nine sub-basins that are also in critical condition due to pollution. These are the two rivers that form the ObandoMalabon-Navotas estuary; those in Balut in Tondo, Malabon, Marikina, and Payatas in Quezon City; Tullahan in Valenzuela; and three in the Taguig-Napindan area near Fort Bonifacio.

Secretary Reyes enjoins everyone to work for the success of the clean-up of all dying rivers across the country. For once rehabilitated, they can once again provide clean water for homes, a safe sanctuary for a variety of fish, and a fresh source for the irrigation of farmlands.


http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/03/24/OPED2006032459576.html

[3cr]

^^ YES this is indeed great news and will help immensely with the redevelopment efforts being done along the Pasig River. Thanks for posting this Jamaicus. :okay:

[richard24]

^^ good thing he's not only cleaning the pasig river.... rivers are mostly connected... all affected rivers that are in the brink of extinction should be cleaned... he's done the simple logic that the past officials failed to grasp.

chaka sundalo xa. he's more inclined to discipline... hehehe... :) hope in the next ten years i can see the pasig like the one in the palafox rendering. :) :)

[Askal82]

oY ang ganda na rin huh!!!
actually when i was young i swum in the pasig river eventhough when we know that it was you know :lol:
buti nde ako nagkasakit :D
kuya ko kasi eh, atsaka mga kaibigan nya, nung maliit pa naman kami nun eh, he he

wow, jolog. :lol:

[normandb]

wow, jolog. :lol:

i-jinolog siguro sya ng kuya nya at mga kaibigan nito sa pasig river dala ng kakulitan..

[Askal82]

^^ Sinabon pa ng husto siguro.

[sandrin]

I think the possibility of producing electricity from the Pasig River by means of Microbial Fuel Cell technology must be studied. The Pasig River is known to be rich in river-dwelling bacteria that can be a power source itself. In fact any waste water treatment plant can be a power source itself using the Microbial Fuel Cell technology.

How does a microbial fuel cell work? In a microbial fuel cell, some microbes produce electricity when they break down into organic matter. In the course of various chemical-reactions, the bacteria produce electrons which are deposited onto oxygen under aerobic condition. You can steal the electrons by creating an anaerobic condition onto the microbe colony. Imagine that the Microbial Fuel Cell works like a Battery where there is a presence of two cells, the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The bacteria/microbes must reside under anaerobic condition in the Anode where they transfer their electrons (to the Anode) as they metabolize or breakdown the food/organic compounds in wastewater. A wire connects the Anode to the Cathode chamber that has water (presence of oxygen, and hydrogen ions) so the electrons coming from the anode will travel to the oxygen in the Cathode generating a current as they move from one chamber to the other.

So how can this process be applied to a River or a Lake?

Create an environment where the local microbes colonize an Anode stuck into the oxygen-deprived sediment. It could be in the microbial-rich colonies of waste at the bottom of the river (bottom anode chamber). The electrons travel along a wire connected to a cathode suspended in the overlaying water which contains the oxygen (top cathode chamber). The problem with this technique is that the microbial power cannot produce that much electricity as continuous r&d is at work to improve the process. Currently, it is only good enough to run a digital lab clock. Also, on the cathode chamber, the transfer of electrode to oxygen is slow. The process needs a catalyst to speed up the reaction. The microbe’s power to transfer electrodes to the anode under anaerobic condition is another limiting factor as microbes are not optimize for electricity production. Maybe this problem will be solved if one discovers the types of microbes which will give speedy electron transfer to the anode.
If this Microbial Fuel Cell from the Pasig River can produce enough electricity to light up the lamps around the river, that alone can be a good energy saver.
The Laguna Lake is another good experiment for this microbial fuel cell.

[Lili]

Wow, that is very heavy scientific stuff @Sandrin. Has it ever been done in some other locales or countries? Has any waste water treatment plant done this experiment? What will be the environmental impact of such technology? What will be the costs of that approach: monetarily, environmentally, social, etc.? Very interesting.

[sandrin]

Yes, it has been done in Boston harbor. I think China is planning to apply this technology to treat the polluted rivers and at the same time produce electricity.
Research is still on going to improve the process but I don't think it will costs that much because the main source of energy will be the wastewater which is free. Producing the optimum microbe colony that can produce electricity easily is not that hard at all once the microbes are identified and a continuous substrate (like waste water) is provided. This is not expected to run the energy requirement of an entire city, but would surely help in providing the energy to run same wastewater treatment plant. Imagine, it does not only clean the waste water but also provide it's own energy to clean the waste water. It can also power up the lamps beside the river and can provide sufficient energy to portable electronics. Once the project has been improved, large amount of money will be saved as this technology makes the wastewater treatment self-sufficient.

[driftwood]

^^ Pretty impressive stuff, Sandrin. Is this actually being considered for Pasig River?

[ramvingar]

Hmmm..interesting stuff. I hope they use it for the Pasig River. They'll have a lot of wastewater to convert there. During Ming's time, there was an idea of putting some microbes in the water that will help "digest" the waste in it. I wonder if that pushed through. I believe that they used that technique for the River Thames and the Seine

[sine.anima]

Hmmm..interesting stuff. I hope they use it for the Pasig River. They'll have a lot of wastewater to convert there. During Ming's time, there was an idea of putting some microbes in the water that will help "digest" the waste in it. I wonder if that pushed through. I believe that they used that technique for the River Thames and the Seine


interestingly, there had been similar experiments done in the philippines way back during 70's
according to my mom, who used to be in national pollution control back at marcos' regime, there had been tests done in balagtas bulacan.
they were looking for a specific specie of microbes that would digest a specific gas that could be converted into energy, or something like that, (i'm not really into science stuff)
what happened to the tests, she doesn't know.

i'm all anti-marcos but there are also bright sides in bad things.

[richard24]

hope someone from the pasig river rehab commision can read this great idea... up to now parang wala pa silang specific plan kung paano ba talaga lilinisin ang pasig...

[sista]

^^ oo nga, a lot of them puro salita lang, "let's clean the river" or whatever. They should try thinking out of the box and take suggestions from the real experts. btw, Sandrin, nice info! I hope some organization or kind hearted person will fund for the microbe powered waste treatment plant and it gets applied in the rest of the country.

[Askal82]

^^ Its not just us but "us". The latter implying that they include themselves as well. True, tumigil na sila sa pagsasalita at gawin nila ang dapat na trabaho. Nakakaasar dahil puro mga mukha nila sa signboards ang nakalagay na may magandang mensahe na dapat maging disiplinado tayo pero sila mismo hindi. Tumahimik nalang sila.

[ramvingar]

I know that this must have been asked earlier in the thread but, whatever happened to Piso para sa PAsig of Ming Ramos? I remember I helped out by distributing donation cans in our classrooms in college and collecting the money. Wala na ba yon?

[JAMAICUS]

^^ I think the project died out when Mr.Ramos step down on 1998.

[demented_pigeon]

mayroon pang piso para sa paig project its just been fused with the sagip pasig project i think...

[marites4]

it's unbelievable that it seems like almost decades they've been trying to rehabilitate pasig and it only keeps getting worst. I guess the decline won't reverse until we stop our population growth and improve our economy exponentially. But do people wonder why every politician has a mansion in a country with plenty of poverty. But it's accepted.

[JAMAICUS]

Actually, I think it is better now. At least some water lilies are floating rather than sacks of garbage.

[marites4]

yes it's a little better but they need to work faster. Much time is wasted on senseless politicking instead of working together to address finding a solution to perrenial problems. For instance how can we be a major tourist destination if there are garbage laying everywhere tourists don't like to see such things.

[KiBeN]

If only I have the money, pinaganda ko na yung Pasig, why does rich people don't help develop and clean the Pasig river and other places that are poor. There should be an organization to help the poor people build new homes far away from the Metro. Para din malessen ang squatters along the river.

[JAMAICUS]

^^ If they should organize themselves, some politicos will just come near them and would ask for "permit" money. GALING TALAGA!

[ramvingar]

Actually, I think it is better now. At least some water lilies are floating rather than sacks of garbage.

And I heard that it's actually flowing now ever since they took out those sunken barges. Ilan ulit nakuha nila? Basta alam ko madami.

[demented_pigeon]

Actually, I think it is better now. At least some water lilies are floating rather than sacks of garbage.
its actually better... from a rating of D before its now in the level C... still polluted but can sustain life forms... the only hindrance to its rehabilitation is the lack of implementation of the Clean Water Act... it mandates all industries that dumps waste to the river to have a sewage treatment facility to clean its liquid wastes... but i think there is only 30% compliance...

[richard24]

madami kaming nakikitang mga fish sa pasig... parang mga higanteng janitor fish ung mga un eh... pero sabi nung construction worker ng river park sa PUP may nahuli daw silang fish.. pero hindi nila kinain... pinakawalan ulit nila. (natakot yata) :lol:

[Askal82]

its actually better... from a rating of D before its now in the level C... still polluted but can sustain life forms... the only hindrance to its rehabilitation is the lack of implementation of the Clean Water Act... it mandates all industries that dumps waste to the river to have a sewage treatment facility to clean its liquid wastes... but i think there is only 30% compliance...

So just imagine if at least 70% are complying to that- Pasig river's recovery will be many more times quicker.

[richard24]

thats pasig... (sa baba) view ng makati yan.

http://i2.tinypic.com/sytfko.jpg

wala lang.. pang bump lang. hehehehehe... :)

[dudz]

river ferry terminal contruction updates...

mexico plaza intramuros
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/d9c0bff0.jpg

guadalupe station
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/cfeddb35.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/imagesaver1206/pasig%20river%20redevelopment%20project/029681bb.jpg

[Askal82]

^^ Are those gabi or kangkong leaves drifting on water?
Btw, another set of excellent shots of Pasig. :okay:

[dudz]

thanks louie...but i was shooting the ferry stations :hehe:. those are water lilies. and i just noticed the river was flowing towards laguna de bay when i took those shots...the guadalupe shots i mean.

[Lili]

So these River Ferry Stations are operational already or still being constructed?

Hey, I see people bathing in the Pasig River in the second picture!

[Askal82]

Wait, is Pasig river brackish? Why is it flowing back to Laguna de bay or does it flow in both directions depending on height of the tides?

Those are lillies? I can't wait to see Pasig river being populated by them again.

[marites4]

So these River Ferry Stations are operational already or still being constructed?

Hey, I see people bathing in the Pasig River in the second picture!
bathing in the pasig river is very dangerous .

[richard24]

the station at the PUP campus is on the works... maybe we could see ferries in the pasig by this year or next year at the most... kukuha ako ng pix sa station namin sa enrollment ko... :) hehehe...

and as i can see, the guadalupe station is almost done... :) may naka-kabit na aircon na nga eh.., mukha ring iba-ibang design ang gagawin nila sa mga station... ung sa plaza mexico iba ung itsura eh... mukhang ibeblend nila ung station depende kung nasaan un... (cguro iba rin ung design nung samin..? :) )