FIRST Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), through its water division First Industrial Township Water Inc. 
(FITWI), signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Barangay Poblacion 1 of Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Oct. 24, 2025, reaffirming their shared commitment to curb river pollution and promote cleanliness of the San Juan River.
Following the signing of the MOA, FPIP installed a waste trap system along the Poblacion 1 section of the San Juan River.
Designed to capture floating solid waste like plastic and debris before these enter major waterways, this initiative is part of a broader effort to protect and restore the river through innovation, education and community involvement.
Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra, general manager for Water Resources Management and FPIP, said: “Our team has always been on the lookout for innovative ways to make a positive impact on the environment.
The installation of this waste trap is both cost-effective and community-based. More than protecting the river, we hope it will also empower the local community to take an active role in sustaining this project over time.”
Barangay officials and residents received hands-on training from FPIP on the proper use, monitoring and maintenance of the waste trap. This ensures that the project is not just a one-time activity, but a long-term, sustainable effort to preserve local waterways.
Attending the event were barangay chairman Alvin Carpio, councilor and Sto. Tomas City and committee chair on environment Proceso Mendoza, Sto. Tomas city administrator Atty. Christian Cantera and Sto. Tomas City Environment and Natural Resources Office head Eric Velasco along with FPIP personnel and employees from various FPIP locator companies.
During the program, local officials expressed their gratitude for the initiative and highlighted the value of collaboration in protecting the environment, particularly the San Juan River.
“Nagpapasalamat kami na mayroong ganitong mga proyekto. Sana dumami pa at magkaroon ng iba pang solusyon para mapangalagaan ang kalikasan,” said Carpio.
Echoing this, Cantera added: “Salamat sa inyong lahat kasi may ganito kayong proyekto para sa amin.…Salamat sa WCMA dahil sa mga ganitong proyekto.
Tayo po ay magkakasama kahit nasa Tanauan dahil part pa rin sila ng San Juan River. Magbibigay rin ang FITUI ng fingerlings.
May mga tributaries kasi tayo, kaya sana maglagay din tayo kahit pakonti-konti.”
FPIP also led simultaneous river cleanups in Barangay Poblacion 1 and within FPIP premises. More than 138 volunteers joined hands, collecting 869 kilograms of plastics, packaging materials and other waste.
“The river cleanup is a quarterly initiative by our organization,”
Esguerra said. “It is practical, low-cost and creates a lasting impact. We hope it serves as a model for other communities.”
(Story by: Charizze Henson)
