Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission executive director Jose Antonio “Ka Pep” Goitia established Task Force Water Hyacinth to stop the spread of water hyacinths along the Pasig River that have traveled as far as from the Laguna de Bay and also tasked it to collect water hyacinths for livelihood projects of communities living near Pasig River.
“The spread of water hyacinths is a natural phenomenon brought about by the rainy season. Technically speaking, the water hyacinths continue to grow due to the high level of nutrients in the water coming from aquaculture farming areas as well as from the creeks or esteros draining domestic waste to the Pasig River,” said Goitia, who is also the president of PDP-Laban San Juan City Council.
He said that the PRRC has always been at the frontline in implementing waste and water quality rehabilitation and management programs that aim to improve the Pasig River System with the help of partner agencies in the national government, local government, non-government organizations, and the private sector to solve this problem.
“We understand the inconvenience these water hyacinths are causing in river transport. Rest assured that we, your public servants from the PRRC, are exercising due diligence to intensify our clean-up operations along the Pasig River and its tributaries in coordination with our partner agencies,” Goitia said.
“In order to address the uncontrollable proliferation of water hyacinths along the Pasig River in the past days, we established Task Force Water Hyacinth which aims to abate the further spread and flow of the said aquatic plant.”
“On the other hand, we also see water hyacinths as a blessing from the environment. According to scientific studies, they help absorb pollution in the waters. Furthermore, we convert water hyacinths as raw materials for our livelihood programs such as for water hyacinth handloom weaving which are used in the production of bags, slippers and other handicrafts with water hyacinth component,” added Goitia.
“Through this, we are able to help our community beneficiaries on their daily needs. We sincerely seek and look forward to your continued support to the programs and projects of the PRRC so we can altogether restore the beauty and glory of the Pasig River! Let us give our puso para sa Ilog Pasig!”