By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz The Philippine government’s efforts to manage and protect the Pasig River were recognized in this year’s first Asia Riverprize awards in Sydney, Australia on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of PRRCph / MANILA BULLETIN) The award, received by Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Executive Director Jose Antonio Goitia, was conferred by the International River Foundation (IRF), which recognizes and rewards organizations that are making a difference through effective river basin restoration and management programs. “PRRC and its partners’ river restoration and management efforts have effectively brought the Pasig River back to life. These efforts have included delivering quality projects, programs, activities, and advocacies in easement recovery, riverbank development, waste and water quality management, and public awareness,” the IRF said of the river, which was declared “biologically dead in the 1990s.” As the winner of the Asia RiverPrize, Pasig River could receive widespread global recognition, which can build new partnerships, provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and best practices, and open doors for international support. “It was President Rodrigo Duterte’s leadership that united both the public and private sectors into this shared mission of protecting the Pasig River and improving the lives of the communities around it with strong political will,” Goitia said. “This is a global recognition for President Duterte and every Filipino river warrior. This is now the fruit of our heart for the Pasig River so let us continue with our programs,” he added. Pasig River was also a finalist in the IRF’s Thiess International Riverprize in 2017 but lost to Texas’ San Antonio River.