The strong political will of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ relentless support led to the successful transformation of the Pasig River banks.
Thus, declared Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar amid the massive public acceptance of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project being implemented by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) headed by DHSUD.
As chairman of the IAC-PRUD, Secretary Acuzar has been in the forefront since the conceptualization and execution of Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project initially in Manila.
“Wala po kaming magagawang ganito kung hindi dahil sa political will ng mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at sa buong suporta ni First Lady. Sila po talaga ang nasa likod ng proyektong ito,” Secretary Acuzar said.
“Panawagan ko po sa lahat na panatilihin ang naibalik na kagandahan at kalinisan sa Ilog Pasig. Tayo pong lahat ay may papel, maliit man o malaki, upang tuluyang maibalik ang dating sigla ng Ilog Pasig,” he added.
He cited the President’s issuance of Executive Order 35 that created IAC-PRUD to bring back the glory and prestige of Pasig River, with functional and sustainable urban redevelopment.
The showcase area, now being enjoyed for free by people from all walks of life, is spanning 1.1 kilometer open public space – – from the back of the iconic Manila Central Post Office to the world-renowned Intramuros wall and down to the historic Fort Santiago. It has become an instant favorite for locals and tourists alike.
The PBBM Project has established a new heritage corridor that preserves culture and history while embracing future progress and development.
The project’s Phase 3, which was inagurated last Thursday by the First Couple, connected Plaza Mexico to Maestranza esplanade leading to the Fort Santiago riverfront. The newly-opened phase now provides an additional 2,000 square meters of open public space for all.
“Napakahalaga po na mayroong open park na mapupuntahan ang ating mga kababayan. Sa mga ganitong lugar po ay pantay-pantay ang lahat—mayaman man o mahirap. Yan po ang gustong ibigay ng ating administrasyon sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino,” Secretary Acuzar stressed. #
