Villar Foundation’s River Rehabilitation Wins Global Environmental Honors

Las Piñas-For over a decade, the Villar Foundation’s key environmental initiatives, particularly the Sagip Ilog (Las Piñas–Zapote River Rehabilitation) and the Riverdrive Projects, have been recognized as pioneering models of community-led river rehabilitation, flood control, and waste management. These programs have received numerous national and international awards. These recognitions stand as proof of the project's positive environmental, social, and community impact.

1. UN Human Settlements Program and the Dubai International Award  - “Best Practice Award for Outstanding Contribution Towards Improving the Living Environment” (2006)

2. International Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice (2009) for the “Sagip Ilog” River Rehabilitation Program from the Green Organization of London in 2009.

3. Oikos Global Case Writing Competition (Switzerland) for the “Social Enterprises from River Rehabilitation Program,” (2009)

4. UN “Water for Life Award – Best Water Management Practices” presented in Zaragoza, Spain during World Water Day (2011)

5. “Kampeon ng Katubigan” Award , presented by DENR-NCR to Former Senator Cynthia Villar in 2018 for her tireless efforts in protecting bodies of water such as the Las Piñas–Zapote River and the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park.

6. Gawad Taga-Ilog 2.0: Search for the Most Improved Estero in Metro Manila awarded Former Senator Cynthia Villar as Environmental Champion by DENR–NCR in March 2022.

7. Energy Globe Award “Certificate of Honor” recognizing the Las Piñas Kitchen Waste Composting Project as one of the World’s Best Environmental Projects, part of the Sagip Ilog and River Rehabilitation Programs (2002)

8. Human Rights Awards for Poverty Alleviation from United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP), reconized Former Senator Cynthia Villar for her initiatives in eliminating poverty and maintaining a healthy environment. (2024).

The Riverdrive was constructed along the government-owned 6-meter river easement, meaning no private land was taken and the natural width of the river remained intact. The combined Las Piñas–Zapote and Molino Riverdrive spans 40 kilometers, making it the longest riverdrive in the Philippines, completed between 2012 and 2022.

Before this project, the riverbanks were occupied by informal settlers living in hazardous and flood-prone conditions. hhhThese families were not forcibly evicted; they were properly and compassionately relocated to Naic, Cavite with assistance from the National Housing Authority.

Additionally, the Villar Family extended ₱20,000 in relocation assistance per family to help them rebuild their lives.

Today, these properties have increased in value as the area has grown due to improved infrastructure, a new bridge from Bataan, developing tourism areas, and the establishment of a PEZA Economic Zone that has opened jobs and livelihood opportunities.

Contrary to accusations, the Riverdrive did not make the river narrow. It was built on the easement, ensuring clear water flow and helping prevent flooding.

The Villar Family personally funded the construction of two vital bridges to enhance connectivity and community access:

· One bridge provides 24/7 free access to Bacoor and Imus

· Another bridge ensures free and convenient access to the Villar Foundation Farm School and Tourist Farm.

The bridges were constructed at no cost to the government, underscoring the Villar Family’s commitment to public service and community development. By opening their private property to build connecting roads leading to Bacoor, the family provided the public with free and convenient access. Although the route passes through the Villar Farm School and Tourist Farm, its greatest beneficiaries are the residents of Las Piñas, Bacoor, and neighboring communities, who now enjoy safer, faster, and more efficient travel.

The Villar Farm School & Tourist Farm stands today as a national model for agricultural education and farm tourism, aligned with the Farm Tourism Law (Republic Act No. 10816) authored and passed by Senator Cynthia Villar in 2016. Farm owners, cooperatives, and farmer organizations from across the country come here for study tours, hands-on training, and real-world learning.

Each year, the Villar Farm School provides free training to more than 1,000 individuals, equipping them to become agricultural trainers. After the program, these graduates return to their respective communities to mentor farmers, support local agricultural initiatives, and contribute to strengthened food production and improved rural livelihoods .

The farm features integrated and sustainable agricultural systems, including, a rice farm , a vegetable farm, an aquaculture demonstration area, a dairy farm with around 50 carabaos, and a coconut farm intercropping with cacao.

For more than 20 years, from 2002 up to the present, the Villar Family has also consistently led efforts in river cleanup and rehabilitation, long before the issue gained widespread public attention.

Villar Foundation turns river waste into useful products and livelihood opportunities. Water hyacinths are crafted into baskets and mats, coconut husks into coconets and coco peat for soil improvement, and kitchen and garden waste into organic fertilizer and distributed for free to farmers and urban gardeners. waste plastics are recycled into school chairs and are given to public schools and farm schools for free.

The Las Piñas–Zapote Riverdrive is a long-term development effort that has improved lives, restored the river, and strengthened the Las Piñas community.