Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission executive director Jose Antonio “Ka Pepeton” E. Goitia has said that only through a strong political will and with the help of all stakeholders that the country can fast-track the rehabilitation of the entire Pasig River system.
Goitia led the raid and dismantling operations of illegal pigpens in Baseco Compound, Port Area, Manila last Tuesday after several residents complained about the foul odor coming from the riverside for so many years.
After a thorough investigation by the PRRC, the agency uncovered the owners’ dirty practice of unloading their animal wastes directly into the Pasig River.
“As much as I want to sympathize with the stakeholders affected by this action, still the call of duty, humanitarian concern, and observance of the law are of primordial consideration,” said Goitia.
The PRRC chief explained to the owners that they were not prohibited from relocating around 800 pigs away from the area rather than facing the consequence of the impounding of their animals which will be very costly for the stakeholders.
PRRC’s move received backing from the local inter-agency and the city government of Manila as well as from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation which all assisted in the raid and dismantling operations.
The PRRC sent numerous notices to the stakeholders as early as August this year to vacate the premises which is part of the 10-meter easement by the agency but the owners continued to defy their warnings.
“Strict warnings have been repeatedly issued to all concerned but these were taken for granted. All of us know how harmful are industrial, household, and animal wastes to humans, and yet, the practice of having pig pens placed nearby houses and flushing out of wastes directly into the river proliferated in alarming proportion,” added Goitia, who also serves as president of PDP-Laban San Juan City Council.
Goitia believes the operations proved that PRRC did not limit its responsibility in rehabilitating the Pasig River alone. Environmental preservation, the health and lives of the communities within its areas of influence, including the management of the influent estuaries, likewise concerned the agency.
“I am calling out to everyone that if we want change to come then, let it [change] happen. You will be forever remembered as catalysts of change and the entire Filipino race will be thankful to you,” Goitia added.
The PRRC, which was created in 1999, is the lead agency tasked to maintain, develop and rehabilitate the Pasig River, aptly considered as the lifeblood of the country. Even the Chief Executive sent his all-out support to the mission and vision of the PRRC.