BPI and Philippine Coast Guard volunteers navigate the Pasig River as part of a joint clean-up drive and disaster response initiative. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
Through its inaugural River Clean-Up Drive at the Mexico Plaza Ferry Station in Intramuros, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and the Philippine Coast Guard Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (PCG MARSLEC) celebrated a significant milestone in environmental sustainability, community resilience, and disaster preparedness.
In order to restore the Pasig River, the program brought together BPI officials, Coast Guard officers, auxiliary groups, and employee volunteers.
In accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement, BPI gave the rescue boats to PCG MARSLEC earlier this month, and the activity also marked the vessels’ first formal sea trial.
Through the combined efforts of BPI, PCG MARSLEC, the Coast Guard National Capital Region–Central Luzon (CG NCRCL), PCGA 109th Squadron, and volunteers, the cleanup collected 200 sacks—equivalent to more than 10,000 kilograms of waste and debris. The collective action underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing both disaster readiness and environmental stewardship.
“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.
“By working with the Philippine Coast Guard, we ensure that our resources are managed by experts and put to effective use for both disaster response and sustainability initiatives like this river clean-up.”
Two rescue boats and support vessels were deployed along the Pasig River during the BPI and PCG’s river clean-up and boat launch activity. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
The two boats, equipped with outboard motors, will be used for rescue operations, disaster response training, and environmental activities such as river and coastal cleanups. PCG MARSLEC will manage their safekeeping and operational readiness for three years, after which BPI will formally donate the boats.
Volunteers from BPI and the PCG collect waste from the Pasig River, reaffirming their shared commitment to environmental protection and community resilience. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
The cleanup highlighted strong collaboration across agencies and organizations. Volunteers from BPI’s Enterprise Operations and Human Resources Segments joined PCG units and auxiliaries in clearing river waste, while tugboats, safety marshals, Emergency Medical Team stations, and logistics support ensured smooth and safe execution.
In photo (L-R): PCG MARSLEC’s Capt. Leopoldo Apillanes, Jr., Chief of Staff; Capt. John Lyndon Baxinela, Acting DCS for Operations, M3; Commo Fideles Sallidao, Deputy Commander; and Radm Inocencio Rosario, Jr., Commander; with BPI’s Dominador Bernales, Jr., Chief Security Officer; Col. Nicolas Suemith, Physical Security Incident Management Head; and Leonido Gomez, Physical Security Technology Head. (Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard)
Section 147 of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Manual of Regulations for Banks, which requires efficient security and emergency response procedures, is reflected in the cooperation between BPI and PCG, which was initially established through an MOU in April 2025. The program exemplifies BPI’s overarching goal of improving the Philippines, one neighborhood at a time, in addition to compliance.
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