First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP), through its water service arm First Industrial Township Water Inc. (FITWI), has expanded its “Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body” program coverage by an additional 2.7 kilometers of the San Juan River, bringing its total adopted length to six kilometers.
The expansion was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed at the Consuelo Park Pavilion in FPIP on Nov. 14, 2025. It gathered key representatives from the city governments of Sto. Tomas and Tanauan, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and other local leaders.
In her welcome remarks, FPIP Utilities Inc. and FITWI general manager Engr. Jeremaine Esguerra shared the aspiration that drives their efforts: “Ang muling mabuhay ang ilog.” She noted that small steps can create “ripples that can lead to lasting change.”
The expanded adoption builds on the initial 3.7 kilometers committed in July 2023. Since then, FPIP has conducted regular cleanup drives, tree planting, waste trap installation and awareness campaigns on proper waste disposal.
DENR-Environmental Management Bureau environmental monitoring and enforcement division chief Corazon Gasapos underscored that environmental initiatives should go beyond signing of agreements and must extend into daily actions. “Sisimulan natin sa mga estero at ilog, at sa huli, sa mas malalaking anyong-tubig.”
LLDA environmental regulations department manager Engr. Emiterio Hernandez, EnP, added that river restoration enhances flood mitigation and community protection.
Echoing the sentiment, PEZA zone manager Allan Datahan noted that flooding and debris-filled waterways show the urgency of environmental action. “Caring for the environment becomes easier and more meaningful when we work together.”
Flowing through several municipalities in Batangas, the San Juan River has long been part of local government rehabilitation programs. Through this expanded adoption, FPIP strengthens ongoing efforts toward a cleaner river and more resilient communities.
(Story By: Charizze Henson)
