Imagine yourself walking from Fort Santiago all the way to Arroceros Forest Park, taking in the sights along the Pasig River, passing through the Lawton Ferry Station and MacArthur Park, and eventually ending up right in front of the Metropolitan Theater and Manila City Hall.
On October 19, 2025, Phase 4 of the Pasig Riverwalk Esplanade opened, stretching the project by another 530 meters beyond its original 1.12 kilometers. The Esplanade has become a lively spot, with better walkways, more open spaces, and fresh attractions. It’s all part of a push to breathe new life into the area.
A bit of history
The Pasig River has always been at the heart of Metro Manila’s story. Before the Spanish arrived, the river was essential, giving food and water to the communities on its banks. During the colonial years, it became Manila’s main artery, moving goods and people across the city and out to other regions. That role persisted around through the American period. After the Philippines’ independence, as new factories went up and the city grew, pollution from industries and homes started to choke it.
Past efforts
For over fifty years, different Administrations have tried to bring the river back to good health.
The Pasig River Development Program started under President Marcos Sr., building new drainage systems, parks, and open spaces, and efforts to reclaim the river’s easements. They even offered reimbursements for pollution-control devices, hoping to get adjoining locators to join and help out. Under President Cory Aquino, the focus shifted to cleaning the debris, run awareness campaigns, and even teaming with international partners.
President Ramos’ administration took it further, creating a special task force to unite all the agencies to work together. They removed illegal structures and expanded river easements to reduce the pollution. President Estrada created the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), focusing on cleaning the river, reducing waste, and improving water quality, while trying to renew the city’s urban core. The Asian Development Bank helped out by funding upgrades for the riverside communities.
During President Arroyo’s term, the PRRC undertook additional cleaning, built more infrastructure, and relocated settlers near the river. They even looked into public-private partnerships to bring in more investment. President Aquino built on those programs, put more focus on sustainability and community engagement. The PRRC also led in recovering more easements.
In late 2019, President Duterte dissolved the PRRC. The Manila Bay Task Force, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, assumed the responsibility for overseeing the Pasig River revitalization.
What’s happening now
In 2023, Executive Order No. 35 brought the river’s rehabilitation and urban development efforts together to improve the quality of life of the residents near the river, reopen and add open spaces for the public to use and enjoy, boost transportation and interconnectivity of the communities adjacent to the river, and clean up its water. EO 35 also created the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD).
Recognizing the river’s historical, cultural, and environmental significance, the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli Program was initiated. Spearheaded by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, the program aims to transform the river into a vibrant waterway, surrounded by thriving urban areas and imbued with a renewed sense of heritage.
Phase 1 of the Pasig River West Esplanade opened in January 2024, with walkways offering river views behind the Manila Central Post Office. Phase 2 pushed further west, adding a boardwalk, shops with roof decks, bike lanes, and jogging paths—inviting the community and drawing local and international tourists in while boosting the local economy. Phase 3, finished in February 2025, linked Plaza Mexico and Maestranza to Fort Santiago, tying the riverwalk with historic landmarks. The latest phase brings everything together, making it easier for people to enjoy the city’s history, connect with public transit like the LRT-1 Central Stations and PUV stops.
Lately, the council was reorganized under EO 92 to ensure a unified and comprehensive approach to the river’s regeneration, to bring the entire Pasig River back to life. The IAC-PRUD is now chaired by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Pasig River Rehabilitation (OPAPRR) Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar.
Recently, the UN-Habitat announced that the Pasig River Urban Development project was selected to receive the 2025 Asian Townscape Award, and recognized the project’s contribution to sustainable urban development and river rehabilitation.
The Pasig River project serves as a testament to the potential for positive change, not only in preserving its historical significance but also in inspiring future generations. President Marcos Jr. aptly sums this by stating, “a larger vision to create a culturally rich urban environment whereby history, nature, and modern living converge.”
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Henry L. Yap is an Architect and Fellow of both Environmental Planning and Real Estate Management. He previously served as an alternate of the DHSUD Secretary to the IAC-PRUD.
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