MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has branded the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pasig River as a reflection of “the unyielding resolve and Bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos”.
During the inauguration of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project’s Phase 1C in Manila on June 23, President Marcos Jr. said the project symbolizes the collective determination of Filipinos to move toward a better Philippines.
“Bringing the Pasig River back to life mirrors our ongoing journey towards a brighter future for our country. How well we do here will reflect our efforts in other areas of the country and how successful we are at improving and leaving the country a better place than we found it,” the President said.
The President, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, shared his vision for Pasig River to be at par with some world-renowned waterways but emphasized its uniqueness from the others, stating that the Pasig River, “has its own stories, its own lessons and its heritage to tell.”
He also acknowledged the partnership among concerned government agencies and the private sector who have been working together toward the attainment of this vision.
“The collaboration of the DHSUD, member agencies [of the] Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River [Urban] Development, the City of Manila – and the excellent upkeep of the showcase area since it opened to the public in January. Thank you for the dedication to the project,” he added.
In turn, the President has once again vowed his and the First Lady’s all-out support to the completion of the project. He said his administration hopes to achieve this goal within three years.
Meanwhile, President Marcos Jr. has urged the public “to sustain the cleanliness, beauty, and the security of the esplanade, to ensure that this whole project will be finished within the target time frame that we have put.”
For his part, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, the chairperson of the Inter-agency Council for Pasig River Urban Development, assured the President of the council’s full commitment to deliver the project targets on time.
“We are heeding the call to keep up our current pace and hard work so that we can look forward to a Pasig River that will become a place of rest, recreation and pride for our people and our country – exactly how President Bongbong Marcos perceives it,” Secretary Acuzar said.
In January, the First Couple launched the project’s showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office which instantly became one of the favorite stops of locals and tourists. Sunday’s inauguration, on the other hand, marked the development of another 250-meter stretch connecting the initial showcase area to Plaza Mexico in Intramuros. Among the highlights of the Phase 1C are commercial spaces accented by fountain and a view deck. (DHSUD)
