The Pasig River is a river in the Philippines running right through the heart of Manila. It flows from Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay through a length of 26 km and an average of 50m in width. The average depth of the river in around 4-6m. The river runs through some of the most populated areas in thePhilippines.
Throughout history, the river was used as a major source of transportation, water, food, and livelihood for a large number of Filipino people living in Manila. It was such an important part of the country that Malacañan Palace (Official Residence of the President of the Philippines) is on the shores of the Pasig. It was a place where rich people lived.
Pollution timeline
Main article: Pollution of the Pasig River
After World War II, the rich began to move away from the shores of the Pasig and many factories took their place. During this time, shanty towns filled with illegal squatters were created wherever there was room, including on stilts over the river. This caused the lifeline of many Filipinos to be suffocated. Through the years, the problem got progressively worse. It got to the point, in recent years,[when?] where mounds of garbage float down the river alongside boats and many of the tributaries became filled with garbage until there was no water left.
1930s: Fish migration from Laguna Lake slowed
1950s: Bathing activities declined
1960s: Washing of clothing was forced to stop and ferry service declined
1970s: The river began to give off a smell
1980s: All fishing activities were forced to stop
1990s: The river was declared biologically dead
Shanty towns[edit source | editbeta]
Many of the people who moved into these post-WWII shanty towns were from outside the city, coming to Manila to find better jobs and lives. They did not have money and were forced into shanty towns.
These towns have no sewage facilities, garbage collection, running water, or any other such amenities. This is one of the main