President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has constituted the “Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development” as part of the administration’s response to the urgent need to rehabilitate and enhance the quality of life along the banks of Pasig River.

A four-page Executive Order (EO)No. 35, issued on July 25 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated that the inter-agency council will be responsible for facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the banks along the Pasig River water system and nearby water systems.

The inter-agency council will be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), vice-chaired by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman with 13 member agencies such as the DPWH, DENR, DILG, DOT, DOTr, DOF, DBM, NHCP, NCCA, PPA, PCG, LLDA and TIEZA.

Aside from facilitating and ensuring the full rehabilitation of the Pasig River, the council is also tasked to formulate a Pasig River Urban Development Plan and implement a coordinated and integrated rehabilitation of the Pasig Riverbanks system and nearby water systems.

It is also tasked to ensure that easements provided under RA 386 (Civil Code of the Philippines) and other relevant laws are followed; study, prepare and implement a comprehensive shelter plan for relocation of informal settlers; and, accept grants or any assistance from local and foreign sources subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.

The council is also directed to work closely with the national government agencies and local government units to review the existing Presidential issuances related to the rehabilitation and development of the Pasig River, and recommend to the Office of the President the repeal or amendment of the same.

The council is also directed to submit a quarterly report on the implementation of the EO. PND