Pasig River facts for kids

The Pasig River is a famous river in the Philippines. It flows right through Manila, which is the country's capital city. The river is named after the city of Pasig, which it also passes through. It's about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long. The river is very important for the cities it connects. Sadly, it has also become very polluted over the years.

The Pasig River's Journey

The Pasig River connects two important bodies of water. It starts from Laguna de Bay, which is the largest lake in the Philippines. From there, it flows west through Metro Manila. Finally, it empties into Manila Bay. This connection makes the river a vital waterway.

How Long and Wide Is It?

The Pasig River is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) long. Its drainage basin, which is the area of land where all the rain flows into the river, is quite large. This basin covers more than 4,000 square kilometers (1,500 square miles). This means a lot of water from a big area ends up in the Pasig River.

History of the Pasig River

For hundreds of years, the Pasig River was a very important part of life in Manila.

Early Importance

Long ago, the river was a main way to travel and trade. People used boats like casco barges and sampans to move goods and people. Many towns and cities grew up along its banks. The river was like a highway, connecting different communities. It was also a source of food and water for people living nearby.

Changes Over Time

As Manila grew into a big city, the river changed. More people lived along its banks. Factories and homes started to release their waste into the river. This caused the river to become very dirty. By the late 20th century, the Pasig River was considered biologically dead in many parts. This means it could no longer support much life.

Pollution and Its Effects

The Pasig River faces serious pollution problems. This pollution comes from many sources.

Sources of Pollution

• Household waste: A lot of trash and sewage from homes ends up in the river.
• Industrial waste: Factories sometimes release chemicals and other waste into the water.
• Agricultural runoff: Water from farms can carry pesticides and fertilizers into the river.
• Solid waste: Plastic bottles, bags, and other garbage are often thrown directly into the river.

Impact on the Environment

This pollution harms the river's ecosystem. Fish and other aquatic animals cannot survive in the dirty water. The river also smells bad and can be a health risk for people living nearby. It affects the beauty of the city and its natural environment.

Efforts to Clean Up the River

Many groups and the government are working to clean up the Pasig River.

Restoration Projects

There have been many projects to bring the river back to life. These efforts include:

• Removing trash and debris from the water.
• Building sewage treatment plants to clean wastewater before it enters the river.
• Relocating informal settlers from the riverbanks to reduce waste.
• Planting trees along the river to help improve water quality.
• Encouraging people to stop throwing trash into the river.

The Pasig River Ferry Service

To help people use the river again, the Pasig River Ferry Service was started. This service uses boats to transport people along the river. It helps reduce traffic on the roads. It also reminds people of the river's potential as a useful waterway. These efforts show that with hard work, the Pasig River can become clean and healthy again.

Images for kids

• 
• 
• 

  1847 painting by José Honorato Lozano showing a casco barge and sampans traversing the Puente de España bridge (replaced by the Jones Bridge)

• 

  View of the Pasig River in 1826–1829

• 

  Casco barges, steamers, and other sailing vessels in Pasig in 1917

• 

  The Pasig River in 1899

• 

  Aerial view of Fort William McKinley and Pasig River, circa 1930s

• 

  The Laguna de Bay was a Pasig River steamer operated by a Spanish company, and was a type of vessel immortalized in José Rizal's novels. It is shown here after its conversion into an American gunboat. The modification of civilian vessels for war by fitting artillery pieces had previously been practiced by the Philippine and Spanish navies. The modern counterparts of the Pasig steamers are the Pasig water buses.

• 

  Pasig River in 1900

• 

  Barge on the Pasig River

• 

  Pasig River near Quiapo

• 

  View from Fort Santiago

• 

  View from Guadalupe Bridge

• 

  Pasig River with the Old Post Office Building

• 

  Boat transportation along the Pasig River