OBP in Action: Bringing Hope to Marikina’s Riverbanks

Metro Manila, Philippines—The nation’s core of business, commerce, and trade has been increasingly battered by extreme tropical storms in recent years. Cutting through the heart of the metropolis are the Marikina and Pasig Rivers, once lifelines of trade and prosperity. Today, however, they have become dangerous floodways, magnifying the impact of typhoons and storm surges. What were once arteries of progress now threaten to paralyze the city, putting livelihoods and the very future of Metro Manila at risk in the face of a worsening climate crisis.


Marikina City, ravaged by floods almost every year, stands on the frontlines of a climate and environmental crisis that grows more dangerous with time. Yet instead of surrendering to disasters, the city is racing to adapt—strengthening flood control systems, sharpening early warning alerts, and preparing communities to face the storms ahead.

La Liga Mariquina is a non-stock, non-profit organization in Marikina City that’s all about empowering communities and keeping the spirit of Bayanihan—communal unity and cooperation—alive. Inspired by the original La Liga Filipina, founded by Dr. José Rizal in 1892, the group brings those ideals to life through hands-on community work. “La Liga Mariquina started back in 2014 as a small community group and was officially incorporated in 2016. From only 8 pioneering members, we’ve now grown to almost 9,000 volunteers across the country”, according to one of its founders, John. “It hasn’t always been easy to keep everyone committed, but what really matters is the impact we make together—caring for the environment because it’s part of who we are as Filipinos”, he added.

One of their most important initiatives is the Luntiang Marikina Project, focused on protecting the Marikina River and the communities that rely on it. From coastal, river, and estero clean-ups to tree planting and school awareness campaigns, these efforts don’t just keep the river clean—they promote disaster preparedness, zero-waste practices, and access to safe, clean water, all while helping build a greener, stronger, and more resilient city.


On August 16, 2025, OBP proudly joined the River Clean-Up Drive, for a morning of service and solidarity. OBP employees worked hand in hand to bring new life to one of Metro Manila's vital waterways, and even under the sweltering heat, the OBP spirit never wavered—proof that when a community unites, even the toughest challenges can be met with purpose and pride.


The participants worked with determination to make a difference—what began as a simple clean-up grew into a meaningful collective effort. It was a reminder that caring for our city's waterways is also caring for the life it sustains—and that includes 'us'. “This activity reminds us that even the smallest actions have an impact on the environment. Something as simple as a candy wrapper, when left to accumulate, can clog canals and drainage systems. That’s why proper waste disposal matters—so future generations can inherit a cleaner, greener world,” shared OBP Safety Officer Mery Atrero.

“As a mother, I feel a deeper responsibility. I want my children to grow up with clean water to drink and a healthier environment to live in. Doing my part today is my way of securing that better future for them,” she added.

OBP reaffirmed this mission with its pledge of support to the organization, committing not only to cleaner urban lifelines but also to a greener and more resilient Marikina—where hope flows as surely as the river itself.


Caring for the environment is a responsibility shared by everyone in the city. While lasting change begins with the willingness to take initiative and be part of the conversation, true progress starts when each of us decides that the time is 'now'. For OBP and its participants, joining the clean-up drive was an important first step. And with every effort that follows, the vision of a cleaner, greener Marikina moves closer to reality.