View source for Pasig River

{{Short description|Estuary in Metro Manila, Philippines}}
{{For|the river in Central Luzon buried by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption|Pasig–Potrero River}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox river
| name               = Pasig River
| native_name        = {{native name|tl|Ilog Pasig}}
| name_other         = 
| name_etymology     = 
<!---------------------- IMAGE & MAP -->
| image              = File:Pasig River, Quiapo (Manila)(2019-01-09).jpg
| image_size         =
| image_caption      = Pasig River in Manila in 2019
| map                = Pasig River basin map.png
| map_size           = 250
| map_caption        = [[Drainage basin]] map of the Pasig River
| pushpin_map        = Luzon mainland#Philippines
| pushpin_map_size   = 
| pushpin_map_caption= Pasig River [[river mouth|mouth]]
<!---------------------- LOCATION -->
| subdivision_type1  = Country
| subdivision_name1  = [[Philippines]]
| subdivision_type2  = Region
| subdivision_name2  = {{ubl|[[Metro Manila|National Capital Region]]|[[Calabarzon]]}}
| subdivision_type3  = <!-- Province -->
| subdivision_name3  = 
| subdivision_type4  = Cities
| subdivision_name4  = {{ubl|[[Manila]]|[[Mandaluyong]]|[[Makati]]|[[Pasig]]|[[Taguig]]|[[Taytay, Rizal]]}}
| subdivision_type5  = 
| subdivision_name5  = 
<!---------------------- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -->
| length             = {{convert|25.2|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| width_min          = 
| width_avg          = {{convert|90|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="HB5641">{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2015 |title=House Bill No. 5641 |url=https://www.congress.gov.ph/legisdocs/basic_16/HB05641.pdf }}</ref>
| width_max          = 
| depth_min          = {{convert|0.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="HB5641" />
| depth_avg          = 
| depth_max          = {{convert|5.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="HB5641" />
| discharge1_location= 
| discharge1_min     = {{convert|12|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on}}<ref name="HB5641" />
| discharge1_avg     = 
| discharge1_max     = {{convert|275|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on}}<ref name="HB5641" />
<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
| source1            = [[Laguna de Bay]]
| source1_location   = [[Taguig]]/[[Taytay, Rizal]]
| source1_coordinates= {{coord|14|31|33|N|121|06|33|E|dim:15000_region:PH_type:river|display=inline}}
| source1_elevation  = 
| mouth              = [[Manila Bay]]
| mouth_location     = [[Manila]]
| mouth_coordinates  = {{coord|14|35|40|N|120|57|20|E|dim:15000_region:PH_type:river|display=inline,title}}
| mouth_elevation    = {{convert|0|m|abbr=on}}
| progression        = 
| river_system       = 
| basin_size         = {{convert|4678|km2|abbr=on}}<ref name="DENR">{{Cite web |last=Tuddao Jr. |first=Vicente B. |date=September 21, 2011 |title=Water Quality Management in the Context of Basin Management: Water Quality, River Basin Management and Governance Dynamics in the Philippines |url=http://www.wepa-db.net/pdf/1203forum/08.pdf |access-date=April 10, 2017 |website=www.wepa-db.net |publisher=Department of Environment and Natural Resources |archive-date=August 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829035314/http://wepa-db.net/pdf/1203forum/08.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| tributaries_left   = {{hlist|Estero de Provisor|Estero de Tanque|Estero de Pandacan|Pateros River}}
| tributaries_right  = {{hlist|Estero de Binondo|Estero dela Reina|Estero de Uli-Uli|Estero de San Miguel|Estero de Paco|[[San Juan River (Metro Manila)|San Juan River]]|Balisahan Creek|[[Marikina River]]|Napindan River}}
| bridges            = [[List of crossings of the Pasig River|20]]
| custom_label       = 
| custom_data        = 
| mapframe          = yes
| mapframe-zoom     = 10
| mapframe-point    = none
}}
{{Pasig River routemap}}
The '''Pasig River''' ({{langx|fil|Ilog Pasig}}; {{Langx|es|Río Pásig}})  is a water body in the [[Philippines]] that connects [[Laguna de Bay]] to [[Manila Bay]]. Stretching for {{convert|25.2|km|mi|1|sp=us}}, it bisects the Philippine capital of [[Manila]] and [[Metro Manila|its surrounding urban area]] into northern and southern halves. Its major [[tributaries]] are the [[Marikina River]] and [[San Juan River (Metro Manila)|San Juan River]]. The total [[drainage basin]] of the Pasig River, including the basin of [[Laguna de Bay]], covers {{Convert|4678|km2|sp=us}}.<ref name=DENR/>

The Pasig River is technically a [[tidal estuary]], as the flow direction depends upon the water level difference between Manila Bay and Laguna de Bay. During the [[dry season]], the water level in Laguna de Bay is low with the river's flow direction dependent on the tides. During the [[wet season]], when the water level of Laguna de Bay is high, the flow is reversed towards Manila Bay.

The Pasig River used to be an important transport route and source of water for [[Spanish colonization of the Philippines|Spanish]] [[Manila]]. Due to negligence and industrial development, the river suffered a rapid decline in the second half of the 20th century and was declared biologically dead in 1990.<ref name="RiverprizeABSCBN">{{Cite web |date=April 20, 2019 |title=Process of resurrection continues for once-dead Pasig River |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/04/20/19/process-of-resurrection-continues-for-once-dead-pasig-river}}</ref> Two decades after that declaration, however, a renaturation program designed to revive the river has seen the return of life to the river, including eight fish species, 39 species of birds, and 118 species of trees and other vegetation.<ref>Villamor, Carmelita, et al. (February 2009) "Biodiversity Assessment of Pasig River and Its Tributaries: Ecosystems Approach (Phase One)."Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB).</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Senior |first=Ira Karen Apanay |date=August 15, 2009 |title=Pasig river is feeding ground for exotic species, study shows |via=PressReader |work=[[The Manila Times]] |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-times/20090815/281702610731125 |access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref> As a result, the Pasig River received the Asian River Prize by the International River Foundation (IRF) in 2019.<ref name="RiverprizeABSCBN" />

The [[Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission]] (PRRC) was a Philippine government agency established to oversee rehabilitation efforts for the river from 1999 until it was abolished in November 2019. Rehabilitation efforts are also aided by private sector organizations through raising funds or assisting river cleanups.

== Etymology ==
{{Main article|Pasig#Etymology}}

The river takes its name from the city of [[Pasig]], which is named after the [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] word ''[[wiktionary:pasig#Tagalog|pasig]]'', meaning "a river that flows into the sea" or "the sandy bank of a river", with the former in reference to the Pasig River's flow from [[Laguna de Bay]] towards [[Manila Bay]] and out into the [[South China Sea]].<ref name="PasigName">{{Cite web |title=Pasig City History |url=https://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/history |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=www.pasigcity.gov.ph }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

== History ==
The Pasig River served as an important means of transport; it was [[Manila]]'s lifeline and center of economic activity. Some of the most prominent kingdoms in [[History of the Philippines (900-1521)|early Philippine history]], including the kingdoms of [[Namayan]], [[Kingdom of Maynila|Maynila]], and [[Kingdom of Tondo|Tondo]] grew up along the banks of the river, drawing their life and source of wealth from it. When the Spanish established Manila as the capital of their colonial properties in the Far East, they built the walled city of [[Intramuros, Manila|Intramuros]] on the southern bank of the Pasig River near its mouth.<gallery mode="nolines" widths="300" heights="300">
File:Pasig River Manila Philippines 1845.jpg|View of Pasig River 1845
File:View of Manila Philippines 1789-1794.png|View of the Pasig River and the city of Manila with its walls from a northern pueblo. 1789-1794
File:Vista del Puente de Manila (1847).png|1847 painting by [[José Honorato Lozano]] showing a [[Casco (barge)|casco]] barge and [[Sampan|sampans]] traversing the [[Puente de España]] bridge (replaced by the [[Jones Bridge]])
File:Old bridge in the Philippines.jpg|Pasig River bridge circa 1800s
File:Pasig River Manila early 1800's.jpg|Painting of Pasig River in the 1800s
File:Pasig River bend 1899.jpg|The Pasig River in 1899
File:Strange peoples and customs (1921) (14764022442).jpg|''[[Casco (barge)|Casco]]'' barges, steamers, and other sailing vessels in Pasig in 1917
File:Philippine Island - Luzon Island - NARA - 68156833.jpg|Aerial view of [[Fort Bonifacio|Fort William McKinley]] and the Pasig River, {{Circa|1930s}} 
</gallery>

=== Pollution ===
{{Main|Pollution of the Pasig River}}

After [[World War II]], massive population growth, infrastructure construction, and the dispersal of economic activities to Manila's suburbs left the river neglected. The banks of the river attracted informal settlers and the remaining factories dumped their wastes into the river, making it effectively a huge sewer system. Industrialization had already polluted the river.<ref name="rehabinfo">{{Cite web |last1=Murphy |first1=Denis |last2=Anana |first2=Ted |date=2004 |title=Pasig River Rehabilitation Program |url=http://www.hic-net.org/document.asp?PID=197 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012123338/http://www.hic-net.org/document.asp?PID=197 |archive-date=October 12, 2007 |website=Habitat International Coalition}}</ref>

In the 1930s, observers noticed the increasing pollution of the river, as fish migration from Laguna de Bay diminished. People ceased using the river's water for laundering in the 1960s, and ferry transport declined. By the 1970s, the river started to emanate offensive smells, and in the 1980s, fishing in the river was prohibited. In 1990, the Pasig River was considered [[biologically dead]] by the [[Danish International Development Agency]].<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Suh |first1=Kyung-duck |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VI84DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA862 |title=Asian And Pacific Coast 2017 – Proceedings Of The 9th International Conference On Apac 2017 |last2=Cruz |first2=Eric C. |last3=Tajima |first3=Yoshimitsu |date=September 21, 2017 |publisher=World Scientific |isbn=978-981-323-382-9 |page=862 |language=en |access-date=April 25, 2022}}</ref><ref name="rehabinfo" />

It is estimated that about 60-65 percent of the pollution in the Pasig River comes from household waste disposed into the tributaries of the river. Increasing poverty in the rural areas in Philippines has driven migration to [[Metro Manila]] in search of better opportunities. This resulted in rapid urban growth, congestion and overcrowding of land and along the riverbanks, making the river and its tributaries a dumping ground for informal settlers living there. 
About 30–35 percent of the river pollution is generated from industries located close to the river (such as tanneries, textile mills, food processing plants, distilleries, and chemical and metal plants), some of which do not have water treatment facilities capable of removing heavy metal pollutants. The rest of the pollutants consist of solid waste dumped into the rivers. Metro Manila has been reported to produce as much as {{convert|7,000|t|sp=us}} of garbage per day.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Gorme |first1=Joan B. |last2=Maniquiz |first2=Marla C. |last3=Song |first3=Pum |last4=Kim |first4=Lee-Hyung |date=2010 |title=The Water Quality of the Pasig River in the City of Manila, Philippines: Current Status, Management and Future Recovery |journal=Environmental Engineering Research |volume=15 |issue=3 |pages=173–179 |doi=10.4491/eer.2010.15.3.173 |bibcode=2010EnEnR..15..173G |doi-access=free}}</ref> A study conducted by researchers from the [[Polytechnic University of the Philippines]] found that the river is also contaminated with [[microplastics]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Deocaris |first1=Chester C. |last2=Allosada |first2=Jayson O. |last3=Ardiente |first3=Lorraine T. |last4=Bitang |first4=Louie Glenn G. |last5=Dulohan |first5=Christine L. |last6=Lapuz |first6=John Kenneth I. |last7=Padilla |first7=Lyra M. |last8=Ramos |first8=Vincent Paulo |last9=Padolina |first9=Jan Bernel P. |date=January 22, 2019 |title=Occurrence of microplastic fragments in the Pasig River |journal=H2Open Journal |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=92–100 |doi=10.2166/h2oj.2019.001 |bibcode=2019H2OJ....2...92D |issn=2616-6518 |doi-access=free}}</ref> It is also the world's single largest source of [[marine plastic pollution]], being responsible for 6.43% of global marine plastic pollution.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Ritchie | first1=Hannah | title=Where does the plastic in our oceans come from? | work=Our World in Data | date=May 2021 | url=https://ourworldindata.org/ocean-plastics }}</ref>

==== Rehabilitation efforts ====
{{main|Rehabilitation of the Pasig River}}

Efforts to revive the river began in December 1989 with the help of [[Denmark|Danish]] authorities. The Pasig River Rehabilitation Program (PRRP) was established, with the [[Department of Environment and Natural Resources]] (DENR) as the main agency with the coordination of the Danish International Development Assistance (DANIDA).<ref name="pianews">{{Cite web |last=Santelices |first=Menchit |title=A dying river comes back to life |url=http://www.pia.ops.gov.ph/philtoday/pt01/pt0103.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316044417/http://www.pia.ops.gov.ph/philtoday/pt01/pt0103.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2008 |work=[[Philippine Information Agency]]}}</ref>

In 1994, First Lady [[Amelita Ramos|Amelita M. Ramos]] founded the Clean & Green Foundation Inc., a non-government and non-profit organization. The organization conducted fundraising projects such as the ''Piso para sa Pasig'' (Filipino: "A [[Philippine peso|peso]] for the Pasig") campaign. The campaign raised around PHP52 million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lustre |first=Monjie |title=Clean, green and a not-so-secret garden |url=https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/starweek-magazine/2003/02/23/196553/clean-green-and-not-so-secret-garden |access-date=2024-11-05 |website=Philstar.com}}</ref>

In 1999, President [[Joseph Estrada]] signed Executive Order No. 54 establishing the [[Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission]] (PRRC) to replace the old PRRP with additional expanded powers such as managing of wastes and resettling of squatters.<ref name="pianews" /> The PRRC was abolished in November 2019, with its functions and powers being transferred to the Manila Bay Task Force, DENR, [[Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development|Department of Housing and Urban Development]], [[Metropolitan Manila Development Authority]] (MMDA), and the [[Department of Public Works and Highways]] (DPWH).<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Villanueva |first1=Rhodina |last2=Ramirez |first2=Robertzon |date=November 15, 2019 |title=Duterte Abolishes Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/11/15/1968860/duterte-abolishes-pasig-river-rehabilitation-commission |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref>

In 2010, the television network [[ABS-CBN]] and PRRC headed by [[ABS-CBN Foundation]]-Bantay Kalikasan Director [[Gina Lopez]] – then chairperson of PRRC – launched a [[fun run]] fund-raising activity called "''Run for the Pasig River''" held every October from 2009 to 2013. The proceeds from the fun run will serve as a fund for the "''Kapit-bisig para sa Ilog Pasig''" (Collaborate for the Pasig River) rehabilitation project of the Pasig River.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 1, 2009 |title=Save the Pasig River, sign up and run |url=https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/the-good-news/2009/11/01/518921/save-pasig-river-sign-and-run |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050153/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/10/03/1240741/why-run-pasig-river |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Villena |first=Glenda |date=February 22, 2011 |title=Pasig River run claims Guinness world record |url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/tagged/celebrity/blogs/omgphnewsblog/pasig-river-run-claims-guinness-world-record.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818053519/https://sg.style.yahoo.com/web/20240818053519/https://sg.style.yahoo.com/tagged/celebrity/blogs/omgphnewsblog/pasig-river-run-claims-guinness-world-record.html |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=Yahoo Life Singapore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Choa |first=Kane Errol |date=October 3, 2013 |title=Why run for the Pasig River? |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/10/03/1240741/why-run-pasig-river |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818050153/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/10/03/1240741/why-run-pasig-river |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref> No further fun run has been announced since the 2013 event.

In October 2018, the PRRC won the first Asia Riverprize, in recognition of its efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=October 17, 2018 |title='Instagrammable?' Restored Pasig River wins international environment award |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/10/17/18/instagrammable-restored-pasig-river-wins-international-environment-award |access-date=October 20, 2018 |work=[[ABS-CBN News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 17, 2018 |title=Pasig River rehabilitation program feted in first Asia RiverPrize awards |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/671483/pasig-river-rehabilitation-program-feted-in-first-asia-riverprize-awards/story/ |access-date=October 20, 2018 |work=[[GMA News Online]]}}</ref> According to the PRRC, aquatic life has returned to the river.<ref name=":0" />

On April 20, 2021, [[San Miguel Corporation]] announced that it would initiate a clean-up of the Pasig River in May 2021. SMC will also work with the DENR and the DPWH in this river cleanup.<ref name="cleanup-SMC">{{Cite news |last=<!--staff writer(s), no by line--> |date=April 20, 2021 |title=Pasig River cleanup to start in May |url=https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/4/20/pasig-river-cleanup-smc-dpwh-denr.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420082600/https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/4/20/pasig-river-cleanup-smc-dpwh-denr.html |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |access-date=April 21, 2021 |work=[[CNN Philippines]]}}</ref> The river cleanup is part of San Miguel Corporation's {{Philippine peso|95 billion|link=yes}} [[Pasig River Expressway]] project.

===== Pasig River Esplanade =====
{{main|Pasig River Esplanade}}
[[File:Pasig River Esplanade2.jpg|thumb|Pasig River Esplanade Phase 2]]

On January 17, 2024, the [[Bongbong Marcos administration]] inaugurated its Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM; {{Literal translation|Give Life to Pasig Again}}) project, aiming to revitalize the Pasig River through the development of linear parks, walkways, bikeways, and commercial developments. The program also aims to improve the existing Pasig River Ferry System through the addition of more ferry boats and stations.<ref name="PBBMProject">{{Cite news |date=January 17, 2024 |title=PBBM leads efforts to bring Pasig River back to its old glory through "Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli" project |url=https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/pbbm-leads-efforts-to-bring-pasig-river-back-to-its-old-glory-through-pasig-bigyang-buhay-muli-project/ |work=[[Presidential Communications Group#Presidential Communications Office|Presidential Communications Office]]}}</ref>

{{Excerpt|Rehabilitation of the Pasig River|Pasig River Esplanade|only=paragraph|hat=no}}

====Invasive species====
[[File:Pasig River Intramuros Escolta Water Hyacinths.jpg|thumb|[[Water hyacinth]]s cover the Pasig River near [[MacArthur Bridge (Manila)|MacArthur Bridge]] in Manila in October 2020.]]

The Pasig River has been infested with [[invasive species]], notably the [[water hyacinth]] and the [[janitor fish]]. Water hyacinth, introduced in the Philippines around 1912 as an ornamental plant, has been thrown into the Pasig River; this led the profusely-growing plants to thrive in the river as well as Laguna de Bay due to shifting tides.<ref name="Tacio-2023">{{cite news |last1=Tacio |first1=Henrylito D. |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Not out of this world: The danger posed by invasive species |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/11/not-out-of-this-world-the-danger-posed-by-invasive-species |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029141015/https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/11/not-out-of-this-world-the-danger-posed-by-invasive-species |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=10 August 2024 |work=[[Manila Bulletin]] |language=en}}</ref> The plants are currently considered a notorious pest as they clog the waterways.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dela Cruz |first1=Raymond Carl |date=October 7, 2020 |title=Water hyacinths ground Pasig River Ferry ops |url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117832 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028150214/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117832 |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |access-date=10 August 2024 |work=[[Philippine News Agency]]}}</ref> Introduced in the 1990s to clean [[algae]], the janitor fish has become one of the most destructive fishes. Aside from preying on small fish and contributing to the river's murkiness, its population has exponentially risen due to lack of natural predators.<ref name="Tacio-2023" />

===Memorial===
In December 2024, as [[memorial]] to Pasig River, the [[Philippine Postal Corporation]] launched at [[Bonifacio Shrine]], Gelo Andres and Renacimiento Manila's [[Creativity|work]], the P150 "[[Simbang Gabi]] sa Ilog Pasig”. The longest usable [[Postage stamp|stamp]] measures 234[[Millimetre|mm]] x 40mm. The [[postage stamp design]] features 9 [[List of Catholic churches in the Philippines|historical churches]] from [[Binondo]] to [[Antipolo]] along the River.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Alexis |date=December 1, 2024 |title=PHLPost launches 'world's longest usable' Christmas stamps |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/12/01/2404135/phlpost-launches-worlds-longest-usable-christmas-stamps |accessdate=December 1, 2024 |work=[[The Philippine Star]]}}</ref>

{{clear right}}
== Geography ==
The Pasig River winds generally northwestward for some {{convert|25|km|mi|1|sp=us}} from [[Laguna de Bay]], the largest lake in the Philippines, to [[Manila Bay]], in the southern part of the island of [[Luzon]]. From the lake, the river runs between [[Taguig]] and [[Taytay, Rizal]], before entering [[Pasig]]. This portion of the Pasig River, to the confluence with the [[Marikina River]] tributary, is known as the Napindan River or Napindan Channel.

From there, the Pasig forms flows through [[Pasig]] until its confluence with the [[Taguig River]]. From here, it forms the border between [[Mandaluyong]] to the north and [[Makati]] to the south. The river then sharply turns northeast, where it  becomes the border between Mandaluyong and [[Manila]] before turning again westward, joining its other major tributary, the [[San Juan River (Metro Manila)|San Juan River]], and then following a sinuous path through the center of Manila before emptying into Manila Bay.

The whole river and most portions of its tributaries lie entirely within [[Metro Manila]], the metropolitan region of the capital. [[Isla de Convalecencia]], the only island dividing the Pasig River, can be found in Manila and is where the [[Hospicio de San Jose]] is located.

=== Tributaries and canals ===
One major river that drains Laguna de Bay is the [[Taguig River]], which enters into Taguig before becoming the Pateros River; it is the border between the municipalities of [[Pateros]] and Makati. The Pateros River then enters the [[confluence]] where the Napindan Channel and [[Marikina River]] meet. The [[Marikina River]] is the larger of the two major tributaries of the Pasig River, and it flows southward from the mountains of [[Rizal (province)|Rizal]] and cuts through the [[Marikina Valley]]. The San Juan River drains the plateau on which [[Quezon City]] stands; its major tributary is Diliman Creek.

Within the city of Manila, various ''esteros'' (canals) criss-cross through the city and connect with the [[Tullahan River]] in the north and the [[Parañaque River]] to the west.

=== Crossings ===
{{location map+ |Metro Manila |float=right |height=600 |caption=Locations of the bridges within Metro Manila that span the Pasig|places=
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.595 |long=120.965 |label=1|position=bottom}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.595 |long=120.974 |label=2 |position=bottom}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.595 |long=120.972 |label=3|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.596 |long=120.980 |label=4|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.595 |long=120.990 |label=5|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.591 |long=120.999 |label=6|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.595 |long=121.005 |label=7|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.594 |long=121.012 |label=8|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.58976 |long=121.01394 |label=9|position=right}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.583 |long=121.0116 |label=10|position=bottom}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.586 |long=121.025 |label=11|position=right}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.569 |long=121.030 |label=12|position=bottom}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.567 |long=121.037 |label=13|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.568 |long=121.045 |label=14|position=bottom}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.566 |long=121.054 |label=15|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.560 |long=121.066 |label=16|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.55611 |long=121.07075 |label=17|position=bottom}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.553 |long=121.076 |label=18|position=top}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.554 |long=121.081 |label=19|position=right}}
{{location map~ |Metro Manila |marksize=6 |lat=14.535 |long=121.095 |label=20|position=bottom}}
}}
{{See also|List of crossings of the Pasig River}}
A total of 20 [[bridge]]s currently cross the Pasig. The first bridge from the source at [[Laguna de Bay]] is the Napindan Bridge, followed by the Arsenio Jimenez Bridge to its west. Crossing the Napindan Channel in Pasig is the Bambang Bridge. It is followed by the Kaunlaran Bridge that connects barangays {{not a typo|Buting}} and Sumilang in Pasig.<ref name="pasigcity.gov.ph">{{Cite web |title=Pasig City |url=http://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/subpages/news.aspx?nSeq=889 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924064828/http://www.pasigcity.gov.ph/subpages/news.aspx?nSeq=889 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=February 16, 2015}}</ref>

The next bridge downstream is the C.P. Garcia Bridge carrying [[Circumferential Road 5|C-5 Road]] and connecting the cities of Makati and Pasig. It is followed by the [[Sta. Monica–Lawton Bridge]], the newest bridge opened in June 2021 that connects Lawton Avenue in Makati to Fairlane Street in Pineda, Pasig as part of the Bonifacio Global City–Ortigas Link Road project approved in 2015.<ref name="NEDA2017">{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2017 |title=NEDA Board Approved Projects (Aquino Administration) From June 2010 to June 2017 |url=http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ICC-NB-Approved-Projects-as-of-Feb-2017-Aquino-Admin.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723092943/http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/ICC-NB-Approved-Projects-as-of-Feb-2017-Aquino-Admin.pdf |archive-date=July 23, 2017 |access-date=September 6, 2018 |website=National Economic and Development Authority Official Website}}</ref>

The Guadalupe Bridge between Makati and Mandaluyong carries [[EDSA|Epifanio de los Santos Avenue]], the major artery of Metro Manila, as well as the [[MRT Line 3 (Metro Manila)|MRT Line 3]] from [[Guadalupe station (MRT)|Guadalupe station]] to [[Boni station]]. The [[Estrella–Pantaleon Bridge|Estrella–Pantaleon]] and [[Makati]]–[[Mandaluyong]] Bridges likewise connect the two cities downstream, with the latter forming the end of [[Makati Avenue]].

The easternmost crossing in Manila is Lambingan Bridge in the district of [[Santa Ana, Manila|Santa Ana]]. It is then followed by the Tulay Pangarap Footbridge (Abante Bridge), the newest pedestrian bridge that connects the Punta area and Santa Ana proper.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/20/manila-lgu-inaugurates-tulay-pangarap-in-sta-ana|title=Manila LGU inaugurates 'Tulay Pangarap' in Sta. Ana|first=Diann Uvy|last=Calucin|date=July 20, 2023|accessdate=July 22, 2023|work=[[Manila Bulletin]]}}</ref> It is followed by the Abante Bridge (Tulay Pangarap Footbridge) in [[Santa Ana, Manila|Santa Ana]], [[Metro Manila Skyway|Skyway Stage 3]], and the Padre Zamora (Pandacan) Bridge connecting [[Pandacan, Manila|Pandacan]] and [[Santa Mesa, Manila|Santa Mesa]] districts, and carries the southern line of the [[Philippine National Railways]]. The expressway bridge of Skyway Stage 3, serving as a connection road between the [[North Luzon Expressway]] and the [[South Luzon Expressway]], is built near the mouth of the [[San Juan River (Metro Manila)|San Juan River]] where most parts of it is built and another bridge parallel to Padre Zamora and PNR bridges will be built to merge with NLEX Connector in Santa Mesa; it will thus serve as a solution to heavy traffic along EDSA. The [[Mabini Bridge]] (formerly Nagtahan Bridge) provides a crossing for Nagtahan Street, part of [[Circumferential Road 2|C-2 Road]]. [[Ayala Bridge]] carries Ayala Boulevard, and connects the [[Isla de Convalecencia]] to both banks of the Pasig.

Further downstream are the [[Quezon Bridge]] from [[Quiapo, Manila|Quiapo]] to [[Ermita, Manila|Ermita]], the [[Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1|Line 1]] bridge from [[Central Terminal station (LRT)|Central Terminal station]] to [[Carriedo station]], [[MacArthur Bridge (Manila)|MacArthur Bridge]] from [[Santa Cruz, Manila|Santa Cruz]] to Ermita, and the [[Jones Bridge]] from [[Binondo, Manila|Binondo]] to Ermita. The last bridge near the mouth of the Pasig is the Roxas Bridge (also known as M. Lopez Bridge <!-- check it out as you visit the bridge -->and formerly called Del Pan Bridge) from [[San Nicolas, Manila|San Nicolas]] to [[Port Area, Manila|Port Area]] and [[Intramuros]].

=== Landmarks ===
[[File:Manila Philippines The-old-Post-Office-Building-01.jpg|thumb|The Pasig River with the Old Post Office Building]]

The growth of Manila along the banks of the Pasig River has made it a focal point for development and historical events. The foremost landmark on the banks of the river is the walled district of [[Intramuros, Manila|Intramuros]], located near the mouth of the river on its southern bank. It was built by the Spanish colonial government in the 16th century. Further upstream is the [[Hospicio de San Jose]], an orphanage located on Pasig's sole island, the ''Isla de Convalescencia''. On the northern bank stands the [[Quinta Market]] in Quiapo, Manila's central market, and [[Malacañan Palace]], the official residence of the [[President of the Philippines]]. Also on the Pasig River's northern bank and within the Manila district of [[Santa Mesa, Manila|Sta. Mesa]] is the main campus of the [[Polytechnic University of the Philippines]].

In Makati, along the southern bank of Pasig, are [[Circuit Makati]] (the former Santa Ana Race Track), the Poblacion sewage treatment plant and pumping station of [[Manila Water]], and the [[Rockwell Center]], a high-end office and commercial area. At the confluence of the Pasig and Marikina rivers is the Napindan Hydraulic Control Structure, which regulates the flow of water from the Napindan Channel.

==== Geographical landmarks ====
[[File:River Gunboat Laguna de Bay, 1899.jpg|thumbnail|The ''Laguna de Bay'' was a Pasig River [[steamboat|steamer]] operated by a Spanish company and was a type of vessel immortalized in [[José Rizal]]'s novels. It is shown here after its conversion into an American [[gunboat]]. The modification of civilian vessels for war by fitting artillery pieces had previously been practiced by the Philippine and Spanish navies. The modern counterparts of the Pasig steamers are the [[Pasig River Ferry Service|Pasig water buses.]]]]

The third chapter of [[José Rizal|Jose Rizal]]'s novel ''[[El filibusterismo]]'' mentions several stories surrounding certain geographical features along the Pasig River during the Spanish colonial era, such as the ''Buwayang Bato'', the ''Malapad na Bato'', and Doña Geromina's Cave.<ref name="ReignOfGreed">{{Cite book |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10676 |title=The Reign of Greed by José Rizal |access-date=August 14, 2022}}</ref>

Doña Geromina's Cave, according to legend, was built by the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila|Archbishop of Manila]] as a sanctuary for his former lover.<ref name="ReignOfGreed" /> The cave is believed to be located in Barangay Pineda, Pasig under the Bagong Ilog Bridge, which carries [[Circumferential Road 5]] between Pasig and Taguig.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}

=====Malapad na Bato=====
In what is now Barangay [[Embo (barangays)|West Rembo]], Taguig,{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} a cliff along the river is known as ''Malapad-na-bato'' ({{literal translation|"Wide-rock"}}), which was considered to be sacred to the early [[Tagalog people]] as a home to [[Philippine mythology|spirits]].<ref name="ReignOfGreed" /> After the [[Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church]] was completed in 1630, it eventually became a pilgrimage site for newly converted Christians, resulting in a decline in the importance of ''Malapad-na-bató'' as a religious site.{{Citation needed|date=December 2022}} It was mentioned in ''El Filibusterismo'' that the sacred character of the site disappeared as fears of the spirits living there had disappeared after the cliff was inhabited by [[Banditry|bandits]].<ref name="ReignOfGreed" />

=====Buwayang Bato=====
The ''Buwayang Bato'' ({{literal translation|"crocodile rock"}}) was a rock formation that allegedly resembled a large [[crocodile]]. In ''El Filibusterismo'', the legend tells a story of a rich Chinese man who did not believe in Catholicism that boasted of not being afraid of crocodiles. One day, while trading on the river, the man was attacked by a large crocodile. It was said that after the Chinese man prayed to San Nicholas for mercy, the crocodile turned into stone.<ref name="ReignOfGreed" /> The rock formation is believed to have been located at the southeastern shore of Mandaluyong, in the namesake barangay of Buayang Bato.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}  Other rock formations in the country that resemble crocodiles can be found near [[Boracay]], and [[Santa Ana, Cagayan]].

== Geology ==
[[Image:View of the Pasig River in Luzon Island, Philippine Islands, 1826-1829.png|thumb|View of the Pasig River in 1826–1829]]
The Pasig River's main watershed is concentrated in the plains between [[Manila Bay]] and [[Laguna de Bay]]. The watershed of the [[Marikina River]] tributary mostly occupies the Marikina Valley, which was formed by the [[Marikina Valley Fault System|Marikina Fault Line]]. The [[Manggahan Floodway]] is an artificially constructed waterway that aims to reduce the flooding in the Marikina Valley during the rainy season, by bringing excess water to Laguna de Bay.

=== Tidal flows ===
The Pasig River is technically considered a tidal estuary. Toward the end of the summer or dry season (April and May), the water level in Laguna de Bay reaches to a minimum of {{convert|10.5|m|sp=us}}. During times of [[high tide]], the water level in the lake may drop below that of Manila Bay's, resulting in a reverse flow of seawater from the bay into the lake. This results in increased pollution and salinity levels in Laguna de Bay at this time of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=[Laguna de Bay] Lake Elevation |url=http://www.llda.gov.ph/lake_level/lake_level_index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902174448/http://www.llda.gov.ph/lake_level/lake_level_index.htm |archive-date=September 2, 2009 |publisher=Laguna Lake Development Authority}}</ref>

=== Flooding ===
The Pasig River is vulnerable to flooding in times of very heavy rainfall, with the Marikina River tributary the main source of the floodwater. The [[Manggahan Floodway]] was constructed to divert excess floodwater from the Marikina River into Laguna de Bay, which serves as a temporary reservoir. By design, the Manggahan Floodway is capable of handling {{convert|2,400|m3|sp=us}}  per second of water flow, with the actual flow being about {{convert|2,000|m3|sp=us}} per second. To complement the floodway, the Napindan Hydraulic Control System (NHCS) was built in 1983 at the confluence of the Marikina River and the Napindan Channel to regulate the flow of water between the Pasig River and the lake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Laguna de Bay Masterplan |url=http://www.llda.gov.ph/masterplan.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929113747/http://www.llda.gov.ph/masterplan.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |publisher=Laguna Lake Development Authority}}</ref>

=== Archaeology ===
A human [[Skull|cranium]] and [[mandible]] was described by D. Sánchez y Sánchez (1929) from under {{cvt|2.1|-|3|m}} of Pasig River [[alluvium]]. It was discovered during construction of the [[List of Jesuit sites|Church of the Jesuits]] in 1921 and was partially damaged during excavation,<ref>{{Cite book |last=Obermaier |first=Hugo |url=http://archive.org/details/fossilmaninspain00ober |title=Fossil man in Spain |date=1924 |publisher=New Haven, Pub. for the Hispanic Society of America by the Yale University Press |others=Internet Archive}}</ref> and was noted to be 'primitive' through a loss of Neanderthal characters and mandibular traits (most notably in the teeth and lack of chin), coining the name ''Homo manillensis''. Sánchez y Sánchez classified the species as pre-indigenous using outdated methods based on [[Race (human categorization)|racial classification]]. The specimen remains undated (although a Quaternary age has been suggested<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Pérez de Barradas |first=José |date=1945 |title=Estado actual de las investigaciones sobre el hombre fósil |url=https://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra/estado-actual-de-las-investigaciones-sobre-el-hombre-fosil/ |journal={{lang|es|Boletín de la Real Academia de la Historia}} |language=es}}</ref>), and Romeo (1979) somewhat equates the skull with ''[[Human|Homo sapiens]]'' in his description. Sarat Chandra (1930) follows suite of Romeo (1979).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Romeo |first=Luigi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UbRBAAAAQBAJ&q=novusmundus |title=Ecce Homo! A Lexicon of Man |date=1979-01-01 |publisher=John Benjamins Publishing |isbn=978-90-272-7452-6 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Roy |first=Sarat Chandra |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.56131 |title=Man In India Vol.10 |date=1930}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sánchez |first=Domingo Sánchez y |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Sl3WAAAAMAAJ |title=Un cráneo humano prehistórico de Manila (Filipinas) |date=1921 |publisher=Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales |language=es}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Manila skyline, Philippines.jpg|Barge on the Pasig River
File:Manila-quiapo-river-2010-01.jpg|The Pasig River near Quiapo
File:Fort Santiago 3.jpg|View from [[Fort Santiago]]
File:PH-MM-makati-pasig river-guadalupe - eastbound (2014) 01.JPG|View from Guadalupe Bridge
File:Pasig River Transportation 2.jpg|Boat transportation along the Pasig River
File:Views of rivers Pasig Ferry 21.jpg|Pasig River with [[Circuit Makati]]
File:Pasig River and Binondo buildings as seen from Fort Santiago.jpg|Buildings of [[Binondo]] and the [[Binondo–Intramuros Bridge|Binondo-Intramuros Bridge]] seen at far right
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[List of most-polluted rivers]]
* [[List of rivers and esteros in Manila]]
* [[1968 Casiguran earthquake]]
* [[Laguna de Bay]]
* [[Manila Bay]]
* [[Marikina River]]
* [[Pasig River Ferry Service]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071114084711/http://www.pia.gov.ph/philtoday/pt01/pt0103.htm Philippine Information Agency article on the Pasig River]
* [http://www.prrc.com.ph Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission]

{{Principal Rivers of the Philippines}}
{{Metro Manila}}

[[Category:Pasig River| ]]
[[Category:Rivers of Metro Manila]]
[[Category:Rivers of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Tributaries of Laguna de Bay]]