MMDA and DENR-NCR Commit to Pasig River Ferry Service Rehabilitation
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) recently sealed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) focusing on the rehabilitation and sustainable development of the Pasig River Ferry Service. This move marks a vital step toward improving urban water transport and restoring the Pasig River’s ecological health.
Signed at the Guadalupe Ferry Station in Taguig City, the agreement was led by MMDA Deputy Chair Frisco San Juan Jr. and DENR-NCR Assistant Regional Director Erlinda Daquigan. Both officials underscored the importance of the Pasig River Ferry Service as a practical solution to ease Metro Manila’s notorious traffic congestion.
“If you want to avoid the NCAP, ride the Pasig River Ferry Service. There is no No Contact Apprehension Policy there, no odd-even scheme. We are continuously working to improve the ferry service so that it benefits more citizens,” said San Juan in Filipino.
Collaborative Efforts to Revive the Pasig River Ferry Service
Daquigan highlighted that the MOA is a “critical step in our efforts to restore the ecological integrity of the Pasig River system and to promote sustainable food availability throughout Metro Manila.”
“Together, let us transform the Pasig River from a forgotten water waste into a beacon of integrated urban renewal,” she added.
The agreement outlines shared responsibilities between the MMDA and DENR-NCR. Both agencies will:
1. Identify potential programs, activities, and projects for collaboration.
2. Provide technical and administrative support aligned with their mandates and resources.
3. Facilitate partnerships with relevant public and private organizations.
4. Monitor and evaluate the partnership’s progress and recommend improvements.
5. Hold quarterly meetings or as needed to discuss plans and activities.
6. Document outcomes for future planning.
7. Assign focal persons for coordination and implementation.
Specific Roles in the Pasig River Ferry Service Rehabilitation
Under the MOA, DENR-NCR commits to supplying relevant data and information to aid MMDA’s strategic initiatives. It will also officially recognize MMDA in public communications and project promotions.
On the other hand, MMDA pledges to maintain open communication with DENR-NCR during project planning and execution. It will also actively support DENR-NCR’s relevant programs and activities.
The Pasig River Ferry Service remains the only water-based transit system in Metro Manila, running from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Escolta in Manila. With this renewed partnership, the service aims to not only alleviate urban traffic but also contribute to environmental restoration and sustainable urban development.
For more news and updates on Pasig River Ferry Service rehabilitation, visit Filipinokami.com.