Despite years’ worth of on-and-off rehabilitation efforts, Pasig River remains far from its once glorious state. Still, heritage groups, urban planners, environmental groups, local small businesses, bike advocates, citizens, and even some local governments are hopeful that we can make it worth loving again, just as we can still transform our cities to be beautiful, livable, and resilient to climate and health crises!

But on top of the issues we have to deal with like air and water pollution, public transport & mobility, flooding, and lack of access to basic needs, there is another looming problem that would further set us back and threaten our dream of better cities: the proposed Pasig River Expressway or PAREX—there are so many reasons why we should speak up against it. Read about it here.

More than 18,000 citizens have signed the petition saying #NoToPAREX. But we need more citizens, local officials, and candidates to stand with us.

So in the spirit of the holidays, we’re sending a message to city mayors and asking them to light the way to better cities! Here are 3 ways you can join and show your support now:

1. Make a DIY parol

We gathered local small business that are part of the #IlogPasiglahin movement and helped them source DIY parol kits straight from the Dumagat indigenous community of Daraitan, Rizal.

You can purchase a kit for yourself or your friends and family from Kwadro Exchange Escolta. A portion of the proceeds will go to the #IlogPasiglahin movement!

Order a DIY parol kit now

Each kit includes:

  • 1 x 3D bamboo parol frame
  • 1 x #IlogPasiglahin sticker
  • 1 x list of instructions

You can get creative and use any material/s to cover and decorate the frame! This can also be a fun activity for the family, and a creative, meaningful gift idea.

2. Already have a parol at home? Stick a message on it!

If you’re not the crafty type, you may opt to simply stick a handwritten or printed #IlogPasiglahin text onto a parol you have at home. Take a photo or video, and post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok with the same hashtag in the caption!

Here are some printable designs you can download if you have access to a printer.

3. Share our “virtual parols”

Next week, the #IlogPasiglahin network will be visiting the offices of city mayors to deliver our message and the names of over 18,000 citizens who have signed on to stop PAREX Online, we’ll also amplify our call by lighting up virtual parols.

You can help raise awareness and help us call on our local gov’t leaders and candidates by adding comments and sharing our virtual parol posts (watch out for it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok)!

4. Sign up to support the movement!

Join thousands of concerned citizens who are actively contributing to transforming our cities. You’ll be the first to know of the community’s events, activities, and opportunities to meet like-minded artists, businesses, and experts working on solutions for better cities.

Sign up now