THE Navotas City government has teamed up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and a private company to rehabilitate and protect a portion of the Navotas River under the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program. Mayor John Rey Tiangco said on Sunday that he sealed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau-National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) and Therma Mobile Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power, to undertake the river rehabilitation. He said that acting EMB-NCR director Divina Camarao and Aboitiz Power Assistant Vice President for Corporate Services Lou Jason Deligencia signed the agreement with the city government. Covered by the MOA is a kilometer stretch, spanning the villages of NBBS Dagat-dagatan and NBBS Kaunlaran along the Navotas River, which empties into Manila Bay. This effort supports the continuing mandamus of the Supreme Court for the rehabilitation and restoration of the bay and its tributaries, the mayor said. Tiangco underscored the importance of the partnership in strengthening the city’s disaster resilience and environmental protection efforts. “Navotas is a coastal city that faces challenges from flooding and water pollution. By joining forces with DENR and Therma Mobile, we are making a strong commitment to cleaner waterways, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for our people,” he said. Under the MOA, the local government committed to strictly enforce compliance with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Control Act. Also, Navotas will spearhead tree-planting, greening initiatives, and community mobilization activities while working to relocate informal settlers along the riverbanks. DENR-EMB NCR will conduct water quality monitoring and provide technical and enforcement support, while also leading environmental education campaigns. Meanwhile, Therma Mobile will conduct monthly bioremediation activities and extend support for cleanup drives, greening projects, and public awareness campaigns. Tiangco urged other companies in Navotas and nearby areas to step up and join similar environmental programs. “We are thankful to Therma Mobile for setting an example of responsible corporate citizenship. I encourage other companies to follow suit and adopt their own waterways,” he said. “This initiative is not just about cleaning our river. It’s about giving future generations of Navoteños a safer, cleaner, and more livable city,” he added.