LRT-1 operator to spearhead rehab efforts for Estero de Tripa de Gallina under its
Live for the Rivers Movement Coalition initiative
15 September 2016, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES – LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) today officially sealed its partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partner agencies’ Adopt-An-Estero Water Body Program. Through its Live for the Rivers Movement Coalition initiative, LRMC is all set to lead efforts in cleaning and rehabilitating Estero de Tripa de Gallina, which surrounds its headquarters in Pasay City.
The interagency body headed by DENR and LRMC is also composed of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, the city government of Pasay, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the National Capital Region branches of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and Technology, and Department of Health.
“The signing of this agreement signifies the coalition’s united stance to take action in Estero de Tripa de Gallina. We acknowledge the deteriorated condition of the estero and this is why we are working together towards its rehabilitation, for the benefit of the environment and the communities surrounding it,” says LRMC President and CEO Jesus P. Francisco.
Francisco adds that while the impact of the coalition’s efforts in Tripa de Gallina will directly affect the families living along the estero, the effects will also be more far-reaching as Tripa de Gallina is one of the 47 tributaries of Pasig River. “Rivers nourish the farmlands that contain the food we eat, which is why we need to make sure our waterways are always clean. Apart from improving the quality of life of the communities along the estero, the coalition also wants to ensure the safety of our food sources through this initiative.”
Under the agreement, the body will implement a comprehensive program to support the environmental improvement in Estero de Tripa de Gallina, specifically the 0.5-kilometer portion running through the LRMC depot in Pasay City.
Apart from the continuous assessment to monitor the water quality of the estero, the Live for the Rivers Coalition will also conduct symposia with the affected universities and communities to educate them on solid waste management, and a grand clean up day in Tripa de Gallina is also slated on September 24 to move individuals and families to action.
“It will take a lot of work, but we are confident that the coalition is full on in its commitment to improve Tripa de Gallina, and eventually, the quality of waters in our rivers that sustain our food and life,” Francisco concludes.
