The Philippine government has forged a landmark five-year partnership with The Ocean Cleanup, the Rotterdam-based international environmental organization, to stop plastic waste from flowing through the Pasig River and into Manila Bay — marking one of the most significant environmental initiatives in Metro Manila in recent years.
The agreement signals a major shift in the country’s battle against marine pollution, combining world-class cleanup technology with local rehabilitation efforts to tackle a problem that has long plagued one of the Philippines’ most historically important waterways. The Pasig River runs through the heart of Manila, connecting Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay, and its rehabilitation has been a longstanding challenge for multiple administrations.
Under the collaboration, The Ocean Cleanup will deploy its signature waste interception technologies in the Pasig River and surrounding waterways. These systems are designed to capture floating plastic and debris before they reach Manila Bay, one of the country’s most ecologically and economically vital coastal areas. The organization operates 21 interceptor systems across 10 countries and has removed more than 52 million kilograms of waste from rivers and oceans worldwide.
The partnership aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” program, which seeks to restore the river into a clean, navigable, and economically vibrant waterway. Beyond environmental rehabilitation, officials see the project as part of a broader urban renewal effort that could help reshape communities along the riverbanks.
For the Philippines, The Ocean Cleanup will customize its solar-powered automated interception systems to handle the heavy waste volume and unique conditions of the Pasig River. The initiative also places the Philippines at the center of the organization’s ambitious 30 Cities Program, which aims to expand river cleanup operations across Asia and the Americas by 2030.
Preparatory work is already underway. Nearly 100 potential deployment sites across the Manila Bay watershed have been surveyed, with the first interceptor barrier set to be installed along the Meycauayan River in Bulacan, another waterway known for contributing significant amounts of waste to Manila Bay.
“By combining research, data, and operational experience, we can identify where our Interceptor technology will have the greatest impact and help stop plastic before it reaches Manila Bay and the ocean,” said Boyan Slat, founder of The Ocean Cleanup.
This environmental renewal effort presents a fantastic opportunity for communities and organizations along the Pasig River and Manila Bay to show their support. Schools, barangays, and environmental groups can order custom eco-awareness shirts and uniforms from phshirt.com to unite volunteers for river cleanups and environmental campaigns. Whether you are organizing a community coastal cleanup or a school environmental program, custom apparel helps build team identity and spreads your message effectively. Visit phshirt.com for high-quality custom shirts, event shirts, and organization uniforms that let your group make a statement while making a difference.