Stop polluting Pasig River—PRRC

PASIG River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Executive Director Jose Antonio Goitia on Saturday warned he will shut down businesses that continue to pollute Pasig River.

Goitia said throwing animal waste is one way of polluting and destroying the river.

He issued the warning following the discovery of the PRRC on Tuesday of the pig pens inside the Baseco Compound in Manila’s Port Area.

The PRRC received complaints about the foul odor caused by the waste of the pigs being dumped on the river.

Goitia said the Baseco incident was a clear proof “that only through a strong political will and with the help of all stakeholders can we fasttrack the rehabilitation of the entire Pasig River system.”

“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,” he added.

The PRRC chief explained to the owners of the pig pens that they were not prohibited from relocating around 800 pigs.

“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 of wastes directly into the river proliferated in alarming proportion.”

“I am calling out to everyone that if we want change to come, let change happen. You will be forever remembered as catalysts of change and the entire Filipino race will be thankful to you,” Goitia said.

“This also serves as a warning to major industries polluting our main river, you will be next,” he added.