Video by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net
A leader of a civic organization said that as long as the river systems in Metro Manila remained clogged with household and industrial waste, the Philippines would continue being the “sick man of Asia.”
In a cleanup drive held at Estero de Pandacan in Manila on Tuesday, ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. chair Gina Lopez highlighted the importance of having a clean environment in contributing to healthy and sustainable communities.
She said that if Filipinos want to have the Pasig River cleansed, the esteros in various parts of Manila should be free from garbage.
“If river veins are blocked, our country becomes the sick man of Asia. If esteros will not be cleaned, Pasig River will remain polluted,” Lopez said.
The foundation has already rehabilitated various waterways in the city such as those in Paco, Uli-uli and San Miguel, among others.
She said that since these waterways have been rehabilitated, communities living near the esteros have become happier and healthier.
The cleanup drive is part of the program called Earth Jam 2015, one of the buildup programs of the US Embassy for 2015 Earth Day cooperation with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg led the cleanup with the help of youth volunteers from Young South East Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) and community leaders. Some American staff members of the US Embassy also joined the environmental initiative.
A concert was held after the cleanup headlined by “The Voice of the Philippines” season one winner Mitoy Rentoy, “Pilipinas Got Talent” winner Jovit Baldivino, rock band Razorback and former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Tahl. RC