Which Philippine Rivers are Polluted?
The Philippines is blessed with an abundant supply of fresh water from its numerous rivers and streams. Unfortunately, many of these waterways are now heavily polluted. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), there are currently 28 river systems in the country that are considered to be severely degraded due to the presence of pollutants such as industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff.
The Pasig River – Metro Manila’s Polluted Artery
The Pasig River is perhaps the most infamous among the polluted rivers in the Philippines. It is considered to be biologically dead, with no aquatic life able to survive in its murky waters. The river has been degraded over the years due to the dumping of untreated sewage, industrial waste, and garbage. Efforts have been made to clean up the Pasig River, such as the establishment of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in 1999, but progress has been slow.
Rivers in Central Luzon: A Grave Concern
Rivers in Central Luzon, such as the Pampanga River and the Candaba River, are also suffering from pollution. The Pampanga River, which is one of the longest in the country, has been contaminated by waste from agricultural and industrial activities. Meanwhile, the Candaba River, a tributary of the Pampanga River, has been severely impacted by mining activities. The DENR has classified the Candaba River as a "dead river" due to the lack of dissolved oxygen needed to sustain aquatic life.
Mindanao’s Rivers Show Traces of Pollution
The Mindanao region is home to several rivers that are showing signs of pollution, such as the Agusan River and the Cagayan de Oro River. The Agusan River has been heavily impacted by mining and deforestation activities, as well as the discharge of untreated wastewater from industries and households. The Cagayan de Oro River, on the other hand, has been contaminated by the dumping of solid waste and untreated sewage.
The Agusan River: A Mismanaged Ecosystem
The Agusan River, which is the third-largest river system in the country, is considered to be one of the most polluted rivers in the Philippines. The river has suffered from years of mismanagement and neglect, with the dumping of toxic waste and the use of mercury in small-scale mining activities being major contributors to its pollution. The DENR has warned that the continued degradation of the Agusan River could have serious consequences for the ecosystem and the health of nearby communities.
Panay Island’s Rivers: A Crisis in the Making
Panay Island is facing a looming crisis with regards to its rivers, such as the Jalaur River and the Panay River. These waterways are being affected by the discharge of untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and the dumping of solid waste. The DENR has identified these rivers as having high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, which can cause diseases such as typhoid fever and cholera.
The Cagayan River: A Silent Catastrophe
The Cagayan River, which is the longest and largest river system in the Philippines, is also facing a pollution crisis. The river is being contaminated by waste from mining, agriculture, and domestic sources. The DENR has raised concerns about the impact of the pollution on the ecosystem and the livelihoods of people living along the river.
Negros Island: A Haven for Polluted Rivers
Negros Island is home to several rivers that are severely degraded, such as the Ilog River and the Himamaylan River. These waterways are being impacted by waste from industries, households, and agriculture. The DENR has warned that the pollution in these rivers could have serious consequences for the health of nearby communities and the survival of aquatic life.
Western Visayas: A Battle Against River Pollution
Western Visayas is battling against the pollution of its rivers, such as the Jalaur River and the Iloilo River. These waterways are being contaminated by waste from industries, households, and agriculture. The DENR has identified these rivers as having high levels of pollutants, which can cause harm to human health and the environment.
The Davao River: A Symbol of Neglect
The Davao River, which is the largest river system in the Davao region, is also facing a pollution crisis. The river has been contaminated by waste from mining, agriculture, and domestic sources. Despite being a vital source of water for agriculture and industry, the Davao River has been neglected for years, with little effort being made to address its pollution.
The Abra River: An Ecological Disaster
The Abra River, which is located in the Cordillera Administrative Region, is considered to be an ecological disaster. The river has suffered from years of mining and agricultural activities, as well as the discharge of untreated sewage. The DENR has warned that the pollution in the Abra River could have long-term impacts on the ecosystem and the health of nearby communities.
A Call for Action: Restoring our Polluted Rivers
The pollution of the Philippines’ rivers is a serious problem that requires urgent action. The DENR has called for the cooperation of different sectors to address the issue, such as the government, industries, communities, and civil society groups. Efforts to clean up and restore the country’s polluted rivers should be given priority, as the health of our environment and our people depend on it.