BPI Pasig River Clean-Up highlights sustainability and disaster response partnership with Philippine Coast Guard
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) strengthened its environmental and social governance (ESG) initiatives with a major clean-up of the Pasig River, done in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (PCG MARSLEC). The project marked BPI’s first River Clean-Up Drive at the Mexico Plaza Ferry Station in Intramuros.
BPI executives, Coast Guard officers, and employee volunteers joined forces to remove over 10,000 kilograms of waste, filling 200 sacks during the one-day activity. The event doubled as the sea trial for two new rescue boats recently turned over by BPI to PCG MARSLEC under a formal agreement.
“These boats symbolize more than just preparedness for emergencies; they represent BPI’s commitment to protecting our communities and the environment,” said Dominador Bernales Jr., BPI Chief Security Officer. He added that working with the Philippine Coast Guard ensures resources are effectively used for both disaster response and sustainability programs.
The boats, each equipped with outboard motors, will support rescue operations, disaster response training, and environmental efforts such as river and coastal clean-ups. PCG MARSLEC will maintain operational control for three years before full donation to the Coast Guard.
The cleanup also showcased the strength of collaboration among agencies. Volunteers from BPI’s Enterprise Operations and Human Resources Segments worked alongside the Coast Guard National Capital Region–Central Luzon, PCGA 109th Squadron, and logistics teams to ensure safety and coordination. Tugboats, medical teams, and safety marshals supported the operation.
This partnership aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ regulatory mandate for banks to strengthen security and emergency preparedness. For BPI, it goes beyond compliance. The initiative reflects its long-term mission of building resilient, sustainable communities across the country.
Through projects like the Pasig River Clean-Up, BPI shows that sustainability is not just a corporate goal but a shared responsibility among institutions, employees, and communities.
