Organization: Villar Foundation

The Sagip Ilog (River Rehabilitation) program was launched on December 13, 2002. The Las Pinas-Zapote River System stretches 56 kilometres. The programme designated 30 km for regularly cleaning. This involves daily collection of floating garbage, and installation of steel garbage traps/wire mesh strainers in the Las Pinas and Zapote rivers to filter the waste/debris.

From 2002 to 2005, 9,070 residents from communities along the river system in Las Pinas City, Paranaque City and Bacoor, Cavite were trained in ecological solid waste and river management. Some of them were designated River Watch Volunteers.

Local government officials and local communities participated in an information drive and capacity building activities. As of 2011 there were 3,120 trained and active volunteers were organized into different river watch teams in areas bordering rivers.

Keywords: empowering communities, sustainable development, water quality.

Location: Philippines, Asia and the Pacific

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