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FEATI University joins First Anniversary celebration of Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig
Classic marches played by the FEATI University Brass Band cheered on the fluvial parade on Estero de Paco that started the first anniversary celebration of “Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig” (KBPIP) on April 29, 2010.
Stationed at the 13 De Agosto Bridge which they shared with the delegation from Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU), the FEATI Brass Band proudly represented the University as it played upbeat and lively music, their gleaming musical instruments contrasting with the still murky waters of the garbage-free estero. It was an unreal but heartening sight to see the estero sans its customary topping of garbage.
“It’s quite an honor to be part of the very first anniversary of the KBPIP. This event is intended for the celebration of the collaborative effort for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, in which FEATI University is very much involved. The FEATI Brass Band aptly represents the University in this celebration as they not only provide gaiety to the event but most importantly the students are exposed to environmental issues and concerns that need to be addressed,” said Melanie Florentino, Head of the FEATI Events & Promotions Department.
A pet project of ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Managing Director Gina Lopez, the KBPIP is a Pasig River rehabilitation project that aims to bring life to the “biologically” dead river within seven years. Its first phase is the rehabilitation of the three-kilometer Estero de Paco, that flows from Quirino Avenue to Barangay Cristobal where it connects to the Pasig River.
In a span of a year, KBPIP was able to successfully dredge sludge materials from the estero bottom and restore easements along the estero, which was once a body of garbage that one could literally walk on. Its putridity pervaded the entire neighborhood along the estero. Informal settlers, who were the major source of the wastes thrown into the estuary, have been relocated to Calauan City, Laguna where the KBPIP and its industry partners have constructed houses, school and facilities and established livelihood projects for the transplanted community viable.
The fluvial parade served as an illustration of the major changes in the estero. Delegations of some of the invited universities, institutions and communities were positioned along the bridges and easements where the attendees held their own cheering show for the passing fluvial parade. Makeshift boats and rafts manned by military volunteers ferried selected VIPs and guests including Gina Lopez, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. Chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and former Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants superstar Alvin Patrimonio from Osmeña Bridge to Apacible easement. After disembarking, guests were then escorted to Paco Park where a short program took place. Among the guests waiting for the parade contingents to arrive at Paco Park were FEATI University Executive Vice-President for Development and Compliance Dr. Gloria M. Alberto and Office of Student Affairs Dean Sr. Nicetas Favorito.
The organizations that participated in the event include the Philippine Navy, Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Maritime Police, Paco Public Market Association, Amazona ng Estero, Samahang Maralitang Manininda ng Paco, Trece de Agosto Vendors Association, Eskoda Vendors Association and Unilever Philippines. Apart from MLQU and FEATI University, universities that joined the event include National University, Philippine Christian University, Adamson University, Concordia College, Jose Rizal University, Philippine Women’s University, Far Eastern University, Emilio Aguinaldo College, University of the East, Centro Escolar University, Mapua Institute of Technology and University of Santo Tomas. (KAL)
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