Piloting Innovation for Pasig River Cleanup: Insights from the 6-month Clearbot Pilot Study in the Philippines 28 January 2026 On 28 January 2026, ADB convened government agencies, local governments, development partners, and the private sector at ADB Headquarters to share insights from the 6-month ClearBot pilot—an AI-enabled river cleanup initiative deployed in San Juan City and Pasig City. Implemented with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Pasig City, San Juan City, and other stakeholders, the pilot tested how autonomous, electric vessels can complement traditional cleanup efforts while generating real-time data to guide planning, enforcement, and flood-risk management. The event highlighted lessons on integrating innovation into existing river management and urban development systems, the importance of piloting before scaling, and the need for strong institutional coordination, sustainable financing, and community engagement. Discussions emphasized that technology is not a silver bullet, but a powerful enabler when embedded within broader solid waste management, circular-economy, and urban resilience strategies. The ClearBot pilot was supported under ADB’s technical assistance on accelerating climate action, innovation, and private sector development through sector operations, contributing to the Philippines’ broader efforts to rejuvenate the Pasig River, strengthen disaster resilience, and advance sustainable urban development. Program and Learning Materials 28 January 2026 Session / Activity Title Speaker(s) Remarks Welcome Remarks from ADB Philippines Country Director The document discusses the conclusion of a six-month pilot study using Clearbot technology for the cleanup of the Pasig River in the Philippines,… Andrew Jeffries Remarks Key Message from Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources The document discusses the collaboration between the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on a… Al Orolfo Remarks Briefer and Talking Points from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation The document discusses the collaborative efforts and initiatives for the rehabilitation of the Pasig River in the Philippines, highlighting the… John Karl Vicenta Presentation Clearbot Pilot This presentation outlines a pilot study on the use of autonomous robotic technology for the cleanup and restoration of waterways in Metro Manila,… Samyuktha Sriram Presentation Clearbot Video Showcase Fireside ChatSummary of Open Forum and Question and Answer Moderated by: Christine Po King Chan PanelistsSamyuktha Sriram, Head of Business Development and Marketing, Clear Robotics Gabriel Gerard Katigbak, CENRO Head, San Juan City Government Kenneth Stern, Project Director, Contemporary, Ayala Foundation, Inc. Lydia H. Fadol, Public Services Officer IV, City Government of Makati Joanna Mae D. Norcio-Ricafort, PSO IV / Acting Chief, Environmental Management and Protection Division Mark Navarro, Director, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Kiko Rustia, Councilor, Pasig City Government Al Oga Orolfo, Director, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Disclaimer The views expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Event Coordinator/s Water Sector Group Related Full Agenda Summary of Open Forum and Question and Answer ADB Organizer/s Water and Urban Development Sector Office Read Also Accelerating Climate Action, Innovation, and Private Sector Development Through Sector Operations: Video: Can innovation and AI help bring life back to the Pasig River — and to our cities? Pasig River Plastics Waste Digital Twin Prototype Photo Gallery Partner Organization/s Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Department of Interior and Local Government Philippine Coast Guard City Government of Manila City Government of Pasig City Government of Makati City Government of San Juan Clear Robotics Ayala Foundation Topics Climate Change Disaster Risk Management Environment Urban Development Water