FPGMC Malabon Plant Operations Manager Egay Ortega presenting the various environmental initiatives of FPGMC and Nutriasia during the Adopt-an-Estero / Waterbody Program Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremonies at the National Ecology Center in Quezon City.
First PGMC Enterprises Inc. (FPGMC), manufacturer of the iconic Silver Swan brand, has officially joined forces with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau National Capital Region (DENR EMB-NCR) and various community stakeholders to protect and rehabilitate the Dampalit River in Malabon City. The groups formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Adopt-an-Estero/Waterbody Program, which focuses on the comprehensive improvement and rehabilitation of the chosen critical waterway.
Held at the National Ecology Center last December 11, 2025, the ceremony solidified a strategic partnership on environmental stewardship between the DENR EMB-NCR — the lead government agency for the protection and management of air and water quality within Metro Manila — local government units of the city, and FPGMC. Together, the group aims to restore the 2.2-kilometer river system that passes through Barangays Bayan-Bayanan, Baritan, Concepcion, and Hulong Duhat.
The event opened with remarks from Atty. Janice R. Pammit, CESE, OIC – Regional Director, who emphasized the legal and moral imperative of the project. Atty. Pammit stated that the current state of our waterways reflects the increasing pressures on the environment, specifically our critical waterways, underscoring the urgent need to work together to uphold RA 9275, the Philippine Clean Water Act, and improve the state of our rivers and esteros in the National Capital Region. She further noted that the partnership is a meaningful step in fulfilling a “fair-share responsibility” in the ongoing restoration of Manila Bay and its tributaries.
As a primary new adopter, FPGMC has committed to the long-term rehabilitation of the Dampalit River. Plant Operations Manager Edgardo “Egay” M. Ortega explained that FPGMC’s involvement is part of the company’s sustainability and environmental initiatives, and it highlights their dedication to collaborating with the EMB-NCR and other stakeholders to improve the environment, specifically the assigned river system.
To ensure the program’s success, Ms. Jennilyn Vicente-Lara, Chief of the Ambient Monitoring and Technical Services Section, presented the baseline technical data on the ambient water quality of the Dampalit River. This data is critical in monitoring improvements and the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts.
Future activities under the partnership include regular clean-ups and engineering interventions, such as the installation of trash traps, as well as pollution control and scientific monitoring to track water quality parameters. Additionally, the partners will implement Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) initiatives to prevent future pollution at the community level.
Closing the event, Atty. Linel C. Manayang, OIC of the Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division, reiterated that the MOA is only the beginning of a sustained effort. He noted that the discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships to effectively respond to environmental challenges and expressed his optimism for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient water environment for all.
Contact:
Walter Panganiban
wally.panganiban@nutriasia.com
09171159578
Corporate Affairs Manager
NUTRIASIA
