River renewal

A bridge leading to the chapel at Fernbrook Gardens, an events venue in Las Piñas, spans a winding stream that runs through much of the city.

The spot gives you an idea of what happens when waterways are cleaned up and included as focal points for property development.

On one side of the bridge, which is within the Fernbrook property, the water is clean and the surroundings landscaped. Farther into the property, a gondola is moored beside steps built on the banks of the stream. It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the property, good for bridal photo shoots.

On the other side of the bridge, which I think is no longer part of Fernbrook, the water is blanketed with green organism. There’s no solid waste floating in the water and there’s no sewer stench, but the green carpet makes the water look stagnant. It also seems like there are creepy creatures lurking underneath, like poisonous toads and snakes.

That part of the stream, I’ve been told, is up for rehabilitation, as part of a general program to revive the waterway, which cuts across Daang Hari, the well paved road that connects Cavite to Alabang, Muntinlupa.

Across Daang Hari, a low-rise mall is being developed by VistaLand, the property firm of the Villar clan. A unique feature of the Evia mall, which will cater to the new, sprawling, gated communities being developed in that area mostly by the Ayala and Villar groups, is the clean and soon-to-be-landscaped waterway. I’ve been told it will also feature gondola rides. Rustan’s Supermarket is already there, and a large Starbucks outlet is under construction.

In an archipelago of 7,100 islands, there are many areas that can be developed as attractive waterfront properties. This is being done in many beachfront communities, but not along large rivers and streams.

Maybe the threat of flooding along riverbanks deters this kind of development. For example, an attempt to turn that small riverside park near the Bureau of Immigration in Manila into a smaller version of the Baywalk promenade along Roxas Boulevard was a miserable failure. The river tends to overflow after a prolonged downpour, even when there is no typhoon.

But there are areas that are not prone to flooding, such as that spot along Daang Hari, which can be identified and developed for commercial purposes or for use as public parks.

Another deterrent to riverside development, particularly in Metro Manila, is pollution. Developers surely do not want their property facing a waterway that features floating garbage and, worse, an occasional corpse. The Pasig River used to be an enjoyable sight in this tropical country. Along its banks some of the most luxurious homes were built during the Spanish period, including the home of the governor-general, Malacañang Palace.

Decades ago the stench from the river, the regular sight of aborted fetuses and “salvage” victims, plus of course security concerns prompted Malacañang denizens to install bulletproof windows throughout the Palace and keep out the sight – and stench – of the Pasig.

Along the river, there are too many polluters beyond the control of property developers. Even if floating garbage is cleaned up along with the seasonal mushrooming of water hyacinths, industrial sludge still fouls up the water and makes it stink.

This problem doomed those restaurants in Manila’s Chinatown, which used to line the stream near the bridge along Ongpin street. The food was excellent and the riverside eateries used to be packed. But there didn’t seem to be any accompanying attempt to keep the stream clean. Eventually, people just stopped going, even to the restaurants with air conditioning.

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In other countries, riverside areas are usually among the most popular places for public gatherings and commercial activity. In London, for example, many of the iconic tourist attractions lie along the river.

In contrast, in much of Metro Manila, the impression when people see a river is nauseating stench.

There has been some improvement in recent years. Several bridges and riverside walks have been improved, with lighting installed and areas for biking, jogging and walking dogs.

Some of the lighting is garish, but in certain areas, the fact that such spots are lighted is improvement enough. Government officials may want to consult local artists – there are a number of good ones – for ideas on promenade design and the types of street lamps that can be used.

The lamps used to be stolen regularly, but maybe this is now harder to do. My colleagues who regularly drive through the bridges in the city of Manila tell me that the colored lamps on the spans across the Pasig have largely remained intact.

If riverside areas can be revived and developed, it will mean additional revenue for local governments. That should be enough incentive for local officials to clean up and save the waterways in their jurisdictions.

It’s certainly better than filling over polluted waterways and allowing the construction of houses and commercial structures over the reclaimed area. This only aggravates flooding. It is one of the reasons why we experience serious flooding in Metro Manila and other urban centers such as Baguio.

Local governments should take a look at areas where waterways have been cleaned up, revitalized and turned into focal points for urban renewal. Clean waterways make you breathe, and make cities livable.