UAE and Philippines Unite to Restore Pasig River for a Sustainable Future

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Philippines have entered into a strategic partnership to rejuvenate Manila’s Pasig River, a vital waterway that has suffered from extensive pollution due to urbanization and industrial activities. This collaboration, initiated under the auspices of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, aims to implement both preventive and corrective measures to restore the river’s health while fostering socio-economic development for the surrounding communities.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalizing this partnership was signed during the World Governments Summit in Dubai. The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos of the Philippines and Saeed Rashid Al Zaabi, Advisor to the Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs. The MoU was signed by Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Managing Director at Clean Rivers.

Clean Rivers, a global non-profit organization operating under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has committed up to $20 million to support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for communities dependent on the Pasig River and restoring the waterway. This initiative aligns with the Philippines’ National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter, which targets a 50% reduction in marine litter by 2030 and aims for zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040.

Historically, the Pasig River served as a crucial economic and ecological resource for Manila. However, over the years, it has faced significant degradation due to factors such as urbanization, industrialization, and improper waste management. Since its launch in 2023, Clean Rivers has been dedicated to transforming polluted river systems into engines for sustainable development, empowering local communities in the process.

This partnership is part of Erth Zayed Philanthropies’ broader mission to drive global progress and honor the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, by creating lasting impacts through cross-sector initiatives. By combining resources and expertise, the UAE and the Philippines aim to revitalize the Pasig River, turning it into a model for sustainable urban waterway management and community development.