The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE and the Philippines signifies a significant milestone in collective efforts to restore the Pasig River. The agreement directly aligns with the Philippines National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter, aiming to reduce marine litter by 50% by 2030 and achieve zero waste in Philippine waters by 2040.
Deborah Backus, CEO of Clean Rivers, emphasized the importance of rivers as nature's vital arteries that sustain communities and ecosystems. By rehabilitating the Pasig River, which holds symbolic significance in Manila, Clean Rivers reinforces the commitment to a sustainable future based on circularity, community, and collaboration.
Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, Secretary of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted the rehabilitation of the Pasig River as a crucial development priority in line with broader goals of supporting environmental integrity, economic resilience, and inclusive growth. The partnership with Erth Zayed Philanthropies aims to create lasting impact through cross-sector initiatives.
The Pasig River, once a vibrant artery of the Philippines' economic and ecological landscape, has suffered severe degradation due to urbanization, industrialization, and mismanaged waste in recent years. Clean Rivers, launched in 2023, has been focusing on funding and facilitating collaborative programs to transform river systems into sustainable development engines.
Under the auspices of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, the partnership will concentrate on preventive and corrective solutions to rehabilitate the Pasig River while generating socio-economic opportunities for local communities. The MoU signing was witnessed by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos of the Philippines and Saeed Rashid Al Zaabi during the 2025 World Governments Summit.
Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga and Abdullah Al Qubaisi signed the agreement, symbolizing the commitment to revitalizing the Pasig River. Clean Rivers, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable development and a portfolio entity under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, will allocate up to US$20 million to initiatives enhancing the quality of life for river-dependent communities, promoting circular economy-led solutions, and restoring the Pasig River.
Abdullah Ahmed Khalaf Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of Clean Rivers, emphasized the UAE's history of fostering partnerships for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The collaboration with the Philippines aims to safeguard water resources by revitalizing the Pasig River, showcasing shared dedication towards global progress and uplifting underserved communities through innovative partnerships.
