Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza of the Department Transportations and Communications on Saturday disclosed that the tripartite effort of the Department of Transportations and Communications, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) to push for the revival of the Pasig River Ferry Service. Tapping the Pasig River as an alternative transport corridor will help decongest the land-based road network system of Metro Manila.

“We need to provide alternative routes to alleviate the traffic gridlock here in Metro Manila. We, in the government, see the development of water highways as a viable solution to this problem. Hence, one of our priority projects is to revive the Pasig River Ferry System,” Mendoza said.

“This is the third attempt to revive the ferry system. We are carefully studying the matter to come up with solutions to the difficulties experienced from the first two attempts of the previous administrations,” he added.

The DOTC, the MMDA and the PRRC have already conducted three consultations to modify the strategy to ensure the success of the project. Agustin R. Bengzon, DOTC undersecretary for Water Transportation, said that there are already several companies who have signified their intention to provide the service.

“We have already talked with some industry players about the plan to revive the ferry service system on the Pasig River, and they have welcomed the consultations,” Bengzon said.

He added that the terms of reference (TOR) and the memorandum of agreement (MOA) are being finalized to pave the way for the enforcement of the project.

The TOR provides the guidelines for the levels/type of operation and the criteria for the selection of qualified operators of the ferry service.

On the other hand, the MOA spells out the duties, rights and obligations of the DOTC, the MMDA and the PRRC in carrying out the objective of reviving the Pasig River Ferry Service.