President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order (EO) creating an inter-agency council for the urban development of Pasig River.

Under EO No. 35 dated July 25 but released on Saturday, Marcos said there is an urgent need to commence the rehabilitation and enhancement of Pasig River in a bid to enhance the quality of life of its banks, tributaries, and surrounding communities.

“The convergence of concerned national government agencies is necessary to synchronize and strengthen inter-agency efforts to accelerate the implementation of policies, programs, and projects that aim to improve water quality, restore marine life, and develop the banks of the Pasig River, its tributaries, and surrounding communities,” he added.

The said inter-agency coucil shall be chaired by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair will be the vice chairperson while National Housing Authority (NHA) will be the Secretariat.

Thirteen agencies will serve as the council’s members, namely:

• Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
• Department of Environment (DOE)
• Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
• Department of Tourism (DOT)
• Department of Transportation (DOTr)
• Department of Finance (DOF)
• Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
• National Historical Commission of the Philippines
• National Commission for Culture and the Arts
• Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)
• Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
• Laguna Lake Development Authority
• Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority

The President said the inter-agency shall formulate a Pasig River Urban Development plan that will be used as a blueprint for the rehabilitation project of Pasig River.

The task force is also mandated to study, prepare, and implement a comprehensive shelter plan for the massive relocation of information settlers and other unauthorized occupants who may be affected by the rehab.

In addtion, the inter-agency shall coordinate with other national government agencies and local government units (LGU) when reviewing “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 Inter-agency Coucil shall formulate and issue guidelines as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this order,” Marcos said.

The President furthered that the DHUSD is ought to submit a report on the status of the order’s implementation to his office through the Executive Secretary.