President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inaugurates Phase 2 of the Pasig River Esplanade Project located near the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge in Manila. Joining the president at the event were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Manila Mayor Ma. Sheilah “Honey” Lacuna. (Photo: PCO)
MANILA (PIA) — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the latest phase of the Pasig River Esplanade Project in Manila on Sunday, June 23.
Marcos was joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna for the launch of Phase 1C of the Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area.
The new phase links the existing showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office to Intramuros and is expected to feature at least 32 commercial stores on the ground floor. The project also includes a pedestrian walkway and bike lane on the roof deck.
“After decades of neglect, let us witness the revitalization of our beloved Pasig River—a river that will look and feel like the famous waterways across the world—the Seine in Paris, the Thames in London, and the Chao Phraya in Bangkok,” Marcos said in his remarks.
The Pasig River Esplanade Project is part of the administration’s broader Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (Pasig River Given Life Again) initiative, which aims to rehabilitate and develop the long-neglected waterway. Phases 1A and 1B, launched in January, featured a 500-meter showcase area behind the post office.
In 2023, Marcos signed Executive Order 35, which called for the “rehabilitation of the Pasig River to its historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation, and tourism.” The urban development project is targeting completion within three years.
“Rest assured that apart from our enthusiasm and optimism, the First Lady and I will provide our all-out support and commitment to the completion of this project, and hopefully in three years, that will be our goal,” Marcos said.
The project aims to reduce traffic in Metro Manila by promoting water transportation through the Pasig Ferry System, which will serve as an alternative commuting method. The structures are also designed to use renewable energy and align with environmental protection strategies.
“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,” Marcos added.
The Pasig River Urban Development Project is being spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Council for Pasig River Urban Development. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
