The Pasig River was once a viable source of potable water for locals. It was a flourishing habitat for a wide variety of aquatic plants and fish. Moreover, the river was regarded to be relevant economically since it once stood as the main point of entry of international traders who made business with the people of Manila.
However, through the years, the river became adversely affected by rapid urbanization, which eventually led to its biological death. Factors such as industrial pollution, excessive waste dumping and urban migration were the major culprits behind the aforementioned decline. Now, to achieve the goal of reviving the Pasig River, I will definitely need some support. I am now collaborating with ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc., an NGO that provides a number of community welfare programs in the Philippines. One of their major programs is Kapit Bisig para sa Ilog Pasig whose main goal is to rehabilitate the Pasig River. Members of the said organization have asked me to check into the latest technologies that are involved in waste water treatment that might aid in speeding up and improving the rehabilitation process. |
Through the various lectures and activities that the Study of the U.S. Institute of Student Leaders on Global Environmental Issues (SUSI) 2012 has offered so far, I'm proud to say that I've definitely gained so many lessons and insights from the past few weeks alone. These are insights that will prove valuable in carrying out my Personal Action Plan (PAP) as I travel to Southeast Asia. Having lived in Hawaii will help me contribute much to the future projects I'll be involved in. My PAP, as pointed out in my website, is centered on rehabilitating one of the most famous rivers in the Philippines, the Pasig River. To do this, I plan to explore strategies and technologies in Colorado and Hawaii - learning tools which can help me in my goals.
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