LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corp. has partnered with the Department of Enviroment and Natural Resources and its partner agencies in their Adopt-An-Estero Water Body Program.
Through its Live for the Rivers Movement Coalition initiative, LRMC will lead the cleaning and rehabilitation of Estero de Tripa de Gallina, which surrounds its headquarters in Pasay City.
The interagency body is also composed of the Environmental Management Bureau, the city government of Pasay, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the National Capital Region branches of the public works, interior and science departments.
“We acknowledge the deteriorated condition of the estero and we are working together on its rehabilitation for the benefit of the communities surrounding it,” said LRMC president and CEO Jesus Francisco.
Francisco added that while the coalition’s efforts will directly affect the families near the estero, the benefits will be more far-reaching as Tripa de Gallina is one of the 47 tributaries of Pasig River.
“Rivers nourish the farmlands that produce the food we eat, which is why we need to make sure our waterways are always clean. Apart from improving the quality of life of the communities along the estero, the coalition also wants to ensure the safety of our food sources through this initiative.”
A comprehensive program will clean up Estero de Tripa de Gallina, specifically the half-kilometer portion running through the LRMC depot in Pasay City.
Apart from continuous assessment of the water quality of the estero, the Live for the Rivers Coalition will also conduct symposia with the affected universities and communities on solid waste management. A grand cleanup day is also slated for September 24 tapping the residents as manpower.