MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has formed an inter-agency council for Pasig River’s urban development in line with his administration’s efforts to rehabilitate and enhance the quality of life along its riverbanks.
Marcos created the “Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development” in accordance with a four-page executive order (EO) issued and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin last July 25.
According to EO No. 35, the inter-agency council will be headed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development secretary. It will be vice-chaired by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman with 13 other member agencies.
Among these agencies are the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Interior and Local Government, the Department of Tourism, the Department of Finance, the Department of Budget and Management, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Philippine Ports Authority, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Laguna Lake Development Authority, and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.
“Aside from facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the Pasig River, the council is also tasked to formulate a Pasig River Urban Development Plan and implement a coordinated and integrated rehabilitation of the Pasig Riverbanks system and nearby water systems,” the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement on Sunday.
“It is also tasked to ensure that easements provided under Republic Act 386 (Civil Code of the Philippines) and other relevant laws are followed; study, prepare and implement a comprehensive shelter plan for relocation of informal settlers; and accept grants or any assistance from local and foreign sources subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” the PCO added.
Moreover, the council will work closely with the national government and local government units in reviewing the existing issuances related to Pasig River’s rehabilitation and development and will have to submit a quarterly report on the implementation of the EO.
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