QUEZON CITY, (PIA) — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Atty. Don Artes described the newly inaugurated “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli’ river restoration project on Thursday, Feb. 27, as a beautiful fusion of history and tourism.
“Ang esplanade ay isang magandang halimbawa ng balanseng pagsasanib ng kasaysayan at turismo,” said Artes on the latest development of the project that connects the historic walls of Intramuros to the iconic Manila Central Post Office, and to the oldest Chinatown in the Binondo district.
During the inauguration of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Pasig River Urban Development Project – Phase 3 led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos, Artes said the Phase 3 project includes Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade, and Ft. Santiago Boardwalk.
The MMDA expressed hope that the public would also appreciate the rich history of the area.
“Hangad natin, na bukod sa pagbibigay sa komunidad ng isang alternatibong lugar para sa pagsasama-sama ng mga pamilya at kaibigan, ay mabigyang pansin, maunawan, at mapahalagahan din ang mayamang kasaysayan ng pook na ito.”
[We hope, aside from providing the community with an alternative place for gathering of families and friends, to also pay attention, understand, and appreciate the rich history of this area.]
The project features a riverwalk at Fort Santiago, allowing visitors to enter the historic fortress through its Postigo Nuestra Señora de Soledad river gate as an alternative to the main entrance on Sta. Clara Street.
Likewise, the development also includes an esplanade with a gallery walk showcasing local art and historical narratives, along with dedicated bike lanes and walkways. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
Photo courtesy of Bongbong Marcos Facebook page)
