President Arroyo has allocated P30 million for the clean-up of the Pasig River.

At the recent groundbreaking ceremonies for the Paco Market Rehabilitation Project, Mrs. Arroyo announced that she set aside the amount for the project implementation of the Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig (KBPIP), a non-government organization (NGO) that has been campaigning for the Pasig River clean-up. KBPIP is a tie-up between ABS-CBN Foundation Inc. (AFI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

AFI managing director Gina Lopez said of the allocated amount, P15 million will be channeled to the Paco Market Rehabilitation Project, which is expected to be completed in six months and another P10 million will be funding the completion of the “Bayanijuan sa Calauan" resettlement site in Laguna, which seeks to house some 830 informal settlers.

The remaining P5 million, meanwhile, will be used for the establishment of the easements along Estero del Paco, a main tributary of the Pasig River.

The implementing arms of the Paco Market Restoration Project are the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission and the KBPIP.

Mrs. Arroyo hailed the KBPIP for “all-around” approach to rehabilitate the Pasig River.

She said KBPIP initiatives yield more business-friendly atmosphere in the area that would spur commerce and economic activities and opportunities

She expressed appreciation to the private sector’s support to the government’s 3E’s program, which is a three-tiered approach aimed at alleviating poverty by addressing its main causes, including the lack of jobs, investment, and infrastructure.