PRRC PARTNERS WITH CHINA FIRST HIGHWAY ENGINEERING CO., LTD. ON PASIG RIVER DEVELOPMENT

Consistent with the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and the mandate of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) to control the pollution of the Pasig River system and enhance its development in order to maximize its utilization for socioeconomic purposes, the PRRC entered into a partnership with the China First Highway Engineering Co., Ltd. (CFHEC), through a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on March 22, 2019, at the Novotel Manila, Cubao, Quezon City.

The MOU, which outlines the potential benefits of the partnership for the Pasig River, was signed by PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia and CFHEC General Manager Hou Jianchao, together with PRRC Operations Director Anshari C., Lomodag Jr., and CFHEC’s Business Managers Zhang Hanzhou and Liu Mengchen.

“We can rightfully claim that the President is ever supportive to the PRRC as manifested by his issuance of Administrative Order No. 16 last February 19, 2019 – giving particular roles for this Commission (PRRC) to perform in expediting the rehabilitation and restoration of the coastal and marine ecosystem of the Manila Bay,” says Goitia.

CFHEC, a state-owned corporation from the People’s Republic of China, has the capacity and track record for implementing engineering and construction requirements of public infrastructure projects, including water treatment, roads, transportation, and commercial development, among other works.

A feasibility study for the full rehabilitation of the Pasig River System, including the requirements for the treatment of industrial wastewater and sewerage before draining to the waterways, will be undertaken by the CFHEC – at no cost to the PRRC.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by R.A. No. 7728, the unsolicited proposal of the CFHEC shall be subject to the appropriate review and approval of the Philippine Government through the conduct of a competitive challenge, and in accordance to applicable laws and regulations.

“Today marks another momentous event in the histories of the PRRC and CFHEC, as both signify to participate in joint undertaking for the cause of attaining the requirements of the Pasig River Integrated and Strategic Master plan (PRISM),” adds Goitia.