The Pasig River rehabilitation project transcends mere aesthetic enhancement, unfolding a multifaceted development plan that prioritizes functional utility, boosts tourism, and strengthens transportation networks across the metropolitan area. This undertaking aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’s vision of a revitalized and interconnected urban landscape.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who also presides over the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), reaffirmed the project’s ambitions.
“Our goal extends beyond beautification. We’re laying the groundwork for a Pasig River that enhances tourism and transportation options, directly benefiting the Filipino populace,” Secretary Acuzar stated, echoing the aspirations of the First Couple who spearheaded the inaugural phase of the project on January 17.
The project’s launch phase, featuring an inviting pedestrian walkway by the iconic Manila Central Post Office, has already garnered widespread attention, becoming a focal point for community engagement and media coverage.
With the label Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM), the initiative envisions the Pasig River as a bustling hub for tourism and economic vitality, and as a solution to the perennial traffic woes by weaving together road and water transportation.
Spanning nine strategic sections and weaving through various cities from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay, the project promises a 25-kilometer continuous pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. Bridge-walks are set to bridge the divide between land and river transport, serving as vital links to the water ferries.Echoing the inaugural showcase, eight additional zones are planned along the riverbanks, envisioned as vibrant, park-like realms for communal enjoyment and social gatherings, detailed Secretary Acuzar.
“This is just the beginning. Rest assured, our efforts are ongoing and unwavering,” he assured.
Projected to reach completion within three to five years, the project also benefits from the support of private contributions.
The overarching goal is to elevate the Pasig River to the stature of celebrated international waterways like London’s Thames, Bangkok’s Chao Phraya, and Paris’ Seine, all of which are surrounded by thriving commercial and mixed-use developments.
Secretary Acuzar envisions the Pasig River not only reclaiming its historical significance but also achieving a transformative rebirth, becoming a functional and vibrant lifeline for the city. “We aim to restore the river’s historical magnificence and infuse it with new vitality through thoughtful and practical development,” he concluded.