Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 3258 
Introduced by Representative KRISTINE SINGSON-MEEHAN 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Pasig River is a historic and culturally significant waterway that has played a pivotal 
role in the economic, environmental, and socio-political development of Metro Manila 
and the surrounding provinces. However, decades of urbanization, industrial waste, 
informal settlements, and administrative fragmentation have rendered the river severely 
polluted, underutilized, and disconnected from the lives of the people it once sustained. 
Various rehabilitation efforts over the years—from both government agencies and civil 
society—have made important but piecemeal progress. The now-defunct Pasig River 
Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), dissolved in 2019, left its functions to various 
national agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Despite these 
initiatives, there has been a persistent lack of continuity, institutional coherence, and a 
unified framework for sustainable urban-river development. 
To address this policy gap, Executive Order No. 35, s. 2023 was issued by the President, 
declaring the Pasig River as a priority program of the national government. The 
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) was 
designated as the lead convenor of the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River 
Urban Development, which has been actively implementing programs since 2023. 
These include resettlement of informal settlers, riverbank clean-ups, and coordination 
with local governments and private sector partners. 
However, beyond immediate interventions, EO No. 35 also recognizes the need for an 
enduring and strategic mechanism to sustain these efforts—not only for 
environmental restoration but also for maximizing the economic, housing, and 
resilience potential of the Pasig River corridor. What is needed is a permanent institution 
that can harmonize planning, resource mobilization, social safeguards, and environmental 
sustainability into one integrated framework. 
August 6, 2025
3:11 pm


This bill therefore seeks to create the Pasig River Integrated and Sustainable 
Development Commission (PRISDC)—a corporate body under the DHSUD mandated 
to oversee, coordinate, and implement the holistic rehabilitation, protection, and 
transformation of the Pasig River system. Unlike previous bodies, the PRISDC will have 
institutional permanence and broader authority to integrate ecological management, 
inclusive housing, green infrastructure, cultural preservation, transport connectivity, and 
disaster resilience into a unified urban corridor approach. 
One of the central responsibilities of the Commission is to protect the Pasig River as a 
vital natural waterway that supports biodiversity, provides urban cooling, facilitates 
drainage, and offers spaces for public recreation. Equally important, it shall ensure the 
protection of Informal Settler Families (ISFs) residing along the riverbanks by 
relocating them only through humane, participatory, and climate-resilient 
resettlement strategies, thereby reducing their exposure to flooding, storm surges, and 
health risks while upholding their right to safe, dignified housing. 
The PRISDC is envisioned to drive a whole-of-government and whole-of-society 
movement that transforms the Pasig River from a symbol of urban decay into a living 
corridor of resilience, equity, and national pride. 
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
KRISTINE SINGSON-MEEHAN


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 3258 
Introduced by Representative KRISTINE SINGSON-MEEHAN 
AN ACT 
CREATING 
THE 
PASIG 
RIVER 
INTEGRATED 
AND 
SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, PROVIDING FOR THE REHABILITATION, 
PROTECTION, AND TRANSFORMATION OF THE PASIG RIVER SYSTEM, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Pasig River Integrated and 
Sustainable Development Commission Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to rehabilitate, protect, and 
sustainably develop the Pasig River and its entire river system as an essential ecological 
corridor, heritage site, and strategic urban resource. The State shall adopt an integrated and 
inclusive development approach that protects the river as a natural waterway; promotes 
environmental resilience and biodiversity; ensures safe, dignified, and participatory 
resettlement of informal settler families (ISFs); and enhances public access to sustainable 
mobility, open spaces, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism opportunities. The government 
recognizes that the long-term revitalization of the Pasig River must be institutionalized through 
coordinated, multi-sectoral action across various levels of governance and society. 


SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be 
defined as follows: 
 
a. Commission refers to the Pasig River Integrated and Sustainable Development 
Commission (PRISDC) created under this Act. 
 
b. Pasig River System refers to the entire waterway network composed of the Pasig River, its 
tributaries, estuaries, creeks, and connected bodies of water within its basin and influence 
area. 
 
c. Rehabilitation refers to the process of restoring the ecological integrity, navigability, and 
socio-economic potential of the Pasig River System through physical, environmental, 
institutional, and socio-cultural interventions. 
 
d. Sustainable Development refers to development that meets the needs of the present 
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, 
integrating environmental protection, economic growth, and social inclusion. 
 
e. Stakeholders include public sector agencies, local government units (LGUs), private 
sector partners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and affected communities involved in 
or impacted by Pasig River development activities. 
 
f. Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) refers to a comprehensive and coordinated 
approach to managing water, land, and related resources in the river basin to maximize 
economic and social welfare without compromising sustainability. 
 
g. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) refers to cooperative arrangements between 
government and private sector entities for the delivery of infrastructure and services 
related to the Commission’s objectives. 
 
 
SECTION 4. Creation of the Commission. - There is hereby created a corporate body to be 
known as the Pasig River Integrated and Sustainable Development Commission (PRISDC), 
hereinafter referred to as the "Commission." The Commission shall serve as the principal agency 
responsible for the comprehensive planning, oversight, coordination, and implementation of all 
development and conservation efforts within the Pasig River System. The Commission shall be 
attached to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) for 
policy coordination. 
 
 
SECTION 5. Purpose and Objectives. - The Commission shall ensure the ecological 


restoration, protection, and transformation of the Pasig River System through inclusive, science-
based, and community-driven programs. Specifically, the Commission shall: 
a) Restore and protect the water quality and ecological functions of the Pasig River; 
 
b) Prevent environmental degradation and promote nature-based, climate-resilient solutions; 
 
c) Protect ISFs and vulnerable communities along the riverbanks from hazards such as 
flooding and waterborne diseases; 
 
 
d) Design and implement humane, inclusive, and participatory resettlement and social 
housing programs in partnership with local governments and national housing agencies; 
 
e) Promote cultural heritage, tourism, and sustainable public spaces along the river corridor; 
 
f) Improve drainage, sanitation, and flood control infrastructure; 
 
 
g) Encourage investment and innovation in the redevelopment of the river and adjacent 
areas; 
 
 
h) Ensure that interventions are aligned with national development goals, including urban 
regeneration, disaster resilience, and sustainable transportation. 
 
 
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions. - The Commission shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
(a) Formulate, adopt, and periodically update a comprehensive Pasig River Sustainable 
Development Framework; 
 
(b) Lead and coordinate the Pasig River Inter-Agency Council created under Executive 
Order No. 35, s. 2023, and harmonize agency programs and LGU efforts affecting 
the river system; 
 
 
(c) Identify, prioritize, and implement catalytic projects for ecological rehabilitation, 
urban renewal, flood mitigation, and community development; 


(d) Undertake and supervise resettlement programs for ISFs with the assistance of the 
DHSUD, NHA and other housing agencies, ensuring the protection of their rights 
and access to services; 
 
 
(e) Issue policy guidelines, technical standards, and regulatory measures in consultation 
with relevant agencies and stakeholders; 
 
 
(f) Mobilize financial, technical, and institutional resources from government, 
international donors, and the private sector; 
 
 
(g) Enter into contracts, partnerships, and agreements in pursuit of its mandate; 
 
 
(h) Monitor, evaluate, and publicly report on progress, impacts, and compliance; 
 
 
(i) Exercise such other functions as may be necessary to achieve the objectives of this Act. 
 
SECTION 7. Duties and Responsibilities of Board Members and Member Agencies. 
- In addition to their policy-making roles within the Governing Board, the following agencies 
and representatives shall carry out specific duties and responsibilities to implement the objectives 
of this Act: 
 
1. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) – As 
Chairperson, lead the strategic direction of the Commission; integrate the Commission’s 
work with national urban development and housing policies; and ensure alignment with 
the 4PH Program and other housing initiatives along the Pasig River. 
 
2. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – As Vice Chairperson, 
lead efforts related to environmental management, pollution control, and ecosystem 
rehabilitation of the river and its tributaries. 
 
3. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) – Coordinate with LGUs and 
other concerned agencies on traffic, drainage, flood control, and solid waste management 
projects affecting the Pasig River. 
 
4. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Undertake infrastructure 
improvements including bridges, flood control structures, and riverbank strengthening; 
ensure engineering projects are climate-resilient and inclusive. 


5. Department of Transportation (DOTr) – Develop and implement the integrated water 
transport system along the Pasig River and ensure connectivity with other modes of 
transportation. 
 
6. Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – Support the 
identification and development of tourism zones and heritage areas along the river, and 
promote river-based tourism activities. 
 
7. Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) – Coordinate with the Commission to 
regulate and monitor discharges to the river system from industrial and residential 
sources within the Laguna de Bay-Pasig River watershed. 
 
8. National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) – Ensure that cultural heritage 
elements of the Pasig River and its banks are identified, protected, and integrated into the 
development plans. 
 
9. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) – Conduct historical 
research, site validation, and preservation of historically significant sites along the Pasig 
River. 
 
10. Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) – Manage and rehabilitate river port terminals; 
facilitate intermodal connectivity for cargo and passenger services in alignment with river 
development plans. 
 
11. Private Sector Representative – Provide technical, financial, and operational support 
through PPP arrangements; contribute innovations, resources, and business models for 
sustainable river development. 
 
12. Civil Society Organization (CSO) Representative – Represent community and 
environmental interests; ensure participatory and inclusive approaches to river 
rehabilitation. 
 
13. Representative from LGUs Traversed by the Pasig River – Serve as liaison to all 
affected cities and municipalities; ensure alignment of local ordinances, programs, and 
projects with the Commission’s goals. 
 
 
SECTION 8. Secretariat and Technical Staff. - The Commission shall be supported by a 
Secretariat headed by an Executive Director appointed by the Chairperson. The Secretariat shall 
be composed of personnel with expertise in urban planning, ecology, engineering, social work, 
public finance, legal affairs, and project management, and shall be responsible for 
implementing the decisions and directives of the Commission. 
 
 
SECTION 9. Resource Mobilization. - The Commission is authorized to receive 
appropriations from the General Appropriations Act (GAA), grants, endowments, 


donations, and contributions from domestic and international sources to support its activities. It 
may also generate income from approved projects, services, and leases, provided such income 
shall be used exclusively to further the objectives of this Act. 
 
 
SECTION 10. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be charged 
against the current appropriations of the DHSUD and participating agencies. Thereafter, such 
amounts as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in 
the annual GAA. 
 
 
SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of 
this Act, the DHSUD, in consultation with the concerned agencies and stakeholders, shall 
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
 
 
SEC. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
 
 
SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules inconsistent with 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
 
SEC. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,