By Brian Jules Campued
Plans to establish a linear park along the San Juan River easement as well as housing for informal settler families were announced by various government agencies Monday.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said a linear park would be constructed along the San Juan River as part of its efforts in upgrading flood control systems and sustaining solid waste management practices along waterway easements.
MMDA Chairperson Don Artes added that the linear park will house greeneries and feature a jogging path, a walkway, and a bike way along the river in Barangay Batis.
They are also planning to build material recovery facilities, a rain harvesting facility, and a sewage treatment plant with the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“With the low water quality due to the high liquid and solid waste present due to the informal settlements present along the easement, the MMDA aims to upgrade the easement of waterways to protect geological formation of the river bank, ensure proper solid waste management in the area, and encourage social activities that are more beneficial to the community,” said Artes.
Additionally, Artes said clearing waterways from informal settler families (ISFs) is greatly beneficial to the environment.
“ISF-free easements will result in unimpeded flow of water and reduced flooding,” he said.
In line with this, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said the river easement would serve as a showcase area for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program, as well as the Pasig River Urban Development Project.
“On this site will rise housing for informal settler families in the area. Along with the project is the rehabilitation and beautification of tributaries connected to the Pasig River, anchored in reviving the glory days of the river,” Abalos stated.
Meanwhile, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jerry Acuzar said the rehabilitation initiatives for San Juan River will stem through Manila and Quezon City.
“This project will signify the start of beautification of the environment and the whole metropolis,” he added.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora thanked the MMDA and likewise expressed enthusiasm for another beautification project and improving the Pasig River banks and its tributaries.
“We also wanted to create more open spaces for San Juaneños and in turn educate them in caring for the environment,” the mayor said.
The project is part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project that aims to “reduce the vulnerability to and strengthen resilience against floods”. – cf
