UAE group pledges to help clean the Philippines' most polluted river

Photo : Reuters

Abu Dhabi-based Clean Rivers, part of the Erth Zayed initiative, has pledged to help clean the Pasig River in the Philippines, one of the most polluted rivers in the world. The announcement was made at the World Government Summit 2025. Clean Rivers, a non-profit organization that fights plastic pollution, has committed $20 million to stop waste from entering the 27-kilometer river, which flows through the heart of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The Pasig River has been a lifeline for local communities for centuries but has suffered severe pollution due to urbanization, industrial growth, and waste dumping. This pollution has affected the lives of people who rely on the river for their daily needs.

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Clean Rivers stated that its efforts will focus on sustainable solutions and community participation. The organization will work closely with the Philippine government and local groups to restore the river, ensuring it can continue to support communities for future generations.

Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos spoke at the summit and highlighted the river’s cultural and economic importance. She said that over time, the river had been neglected, leading to its current poor condition. "Unfortunately, no one really took care of the river and its surroundings. Now, it is polluted, dirty, and unpleasant to see," she said.

In 1990, experts declared the river biologically dead, meaning no fish or aquatic life could survive in it. Over the years, many efforts were made to clean the river, but pollution continued to be a major problem.

Two years ago, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took new steps to revive the river, leading to the construction of an esplanade along its banks. The First Lady explained that her husband formed a team of government agencies that regularly meet to find ways to restore the river. Slowly, changes have been made, including the creation of a riverside walkway where people can bike, walk, and spend time together.

Araneta-Marcos expressed hope that the partnership with Clean Rivers will bring back the river’s beauty. She said the support from the UAE, especially through the Erth Zayed initiative, will help transform the Pasig River into a clean and thriving waterway, similar to the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok or the Seine in Paris.

The commitment from Clean Rivers marks an important step in the ongoing efforts to clean and protect the Pasig River. With strong cooperation between the Philippines and the UAE, many believe the river can be restored to its former glory, benefiting both the environment and the people who depend on it.

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