UAE entity commits to help clean Philippines most polluted river

Dubai: Abu Dhabi-based Clean Rivers, part of the Erth Zayed initiative, will support the Philippine government in reviving the Pasig River — one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

At the World Government Summit 2025, Clean Rivers — a non-profit organisation tackling plastic pollution — committed up to $20 million toward initiatives aimed at preventing waste leakage in the 27km waterway running through the heart of Manila, the capital city. It has been a vital lifeline for the local communities for centuries, but faced serious degradation to urbanisation, industrialisation, and waste pollution impacting the lives and livelihoods of those dependent on the waterway.

“This effort will be driven by circular economy-led solutions and community empowerment. In close collaboration with the Philippines government and local organisations, we are working to restore this vital waterway that has sustained Manila’s communities for generations,” Clean Rivers said in a statement.

Cultural significance

Louise Araneta-Marcos, First Lady of the Philippines, pointed out in a special address at the summit that the river had both cultural and economic significance but, due to negligence and industrial development, is in a dire state.

“Unfortunately, no one really took care of the river and its environments. Over the years, it has become a site for sore eyes. It is polluted, dirty, stinky, and every other adjective you can think of.”

The river was declared biologically dead in 1990. However, the past decades have seen several efforts and initiatives aimed at rehabilitating the river.

Araneta-Marcos noted that two years ago, her husband, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., took renewed measures to bring the iconic waterway back to life, which led to the construction of an esplanade.

Bringing the river back

“My husband formed an interagency committee whereby various government agencies would regularly meet with the sole purpose of finding ways and means to bring our river back to life. Slowly but surely, we were able to construct an esplanade where everyone from all walks of life could bike, stroll and break bread along the river.”

Araneta-Marcos said that an agreement inked with Clean Rivers will restore the scenic beauty of river.

“Thanks to the assistance provided by the UAE, especially Clean Rivers, which is an Erth Zayed initiative, we will be able to clean our river and hopefully make it a showcase, much like the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok or the Seine in Paris,” she added.