Back in the early ‘30s, the Pasig River that runs through the heart of the metropolis was a majestic body of water that inspired poets, artists, and even ordinary people. The river was the primary transportation route, the seat of trade and commerce, a place for leisurely swims and romantic boat rides and flanked by grandiose ancestral houses, including Malacañang.
But when the industrialization of Manila went underway, factories and oil depots lined the river route and started dumping their liquid wastes into the water. It wasn’t long before the river, once compared to the Grand Canal of Venice was filled with floating garbage, toxic wastes and sunken boats.
During that time, Far Eastern University Law students Batch 1955 Jovencio Cinco, Jose de Leon, Jose Magsaysay, and Diosdado Peralta, thought they would never see the day when the river is revived to its old glory. More than 50 years later, with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Program well underway, the former classmates who are now reputed lawyers in their respective fields once again felt the lure of the river of their youth.
The cemented banks of the river that used to be lodged with informal settlers were replaced by modern ferry terminals where one can have a fast and comfortable trip from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig to Intramuros, Manila. It was in one of these ferries that the lawyers, along with their wives, realized that there is still hope for Pasig.
Through the collective initiatives of local government units, private sectors, NGOs, and business groups, the Pasig River has slowly transformed into a cleaner and healthier body of water conducive for transport, recreation, even tourism.
The Pasig River Ferry Service is the only water-based transportation that cruises the Pasig River from Pasig City to Manila. Owned by a private company, Nautical Transport Services Incorporated (NTSI), the ferry system is operated by the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. It uses six twin-hulled, double-engine, catamaran-type boats with a maximum seating capacity of 150 people. Ticket fares range from P25, P35, and P45.
However, according to NTSI president and CEO Eduardo Bondad, the ferry service is only one facet of the river. “The Pasig River is an icon. It gave birth to a lot of cultural and historical landmarks in Manila, early trade and commerce started on it; it was an integral part in community building and is now an evolving form of public transport.”
The 20-minute ferry cruise along the river promises to get better in the coming years – that is if the rehabilitation of the Pasig is to be fully realized. But until that day, Filipinos, especially the folks who have witnessed its glory days and have swam in its crystal clear waters back in the day, can only have the cruise as an alternative way to relive their memories of the river, of their childhood past.
[ Pasig City Wiki ]
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