The Pasig River, once the lifeblood of Manila and its neighboring towns, holds an enduring place in Philippine history and culture.

From its prominence in Dr. José Rizal’s literary masterpieces to its decline during the industrialization era, the river has long mirrored the nation’s evolution.

Today, under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the Pasig River is undergoing a dramatic transformation through the Pasig River Esplanade project, heralding a new era of revitalization and urban renewal.

On 17 February, Phase 3 of the Pasig River Esplanade, officially opens, led by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The esplanade opens to the public on 18 February.

Prior to the opening, Mrs. Marcos eagerly shared her excitement about the project’s progress. “I can’t wait to share this with all of you! We’re putting the final touches on Phase 3 of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli showcase area, and it’s turning out to be absolutely beautiful.”

Highlighting the developments, she added, “Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade and the Fort Santiago Riverwalk are coming to life, ready to welcome everyone with open arms.”

A river runs through it

The Pasig River holds a special place in Philippine literature, immortalized by Dr. José Rizal in his novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

The river served as the backdrop for pivotal scenes, such as Crisostomo Ibarra’s daring escape and the dramatic opening voyage of the steamship Tabo, which underscored its central role in 19th-century Philippine society.

Beyond literature, the river supported thriving industries, including duck farming in riverside communities like Pinagbuhatan, Bambang, and Kalawaan. However, by the 1960s, industrial pollution took its toll, contributing to the river’s ecological decline and the collapse of these traditional livelihoods.

By the late 20th century, the Pasig River had become a casualty of rapid urbanization, plagued by severe pollution that it was eventually deemed “biologically dead” in the 1990s.

Despite this, efforts to rehabilitate the river gained momentum.

These rehabilitation initiatives laid the groundwork for the ambitious Pasig River Esplanade project under the current administration.

At the 2025 World Government Summit in Dubai, where the First Lady represented the Philippines from 12 to 13 February, she highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the Pasig River.

She noted that this significant initiative was being carried out in partnership with international organizations, including Clean Rivers of the UAE.

The First Lady expressed her hopes for the river’s future, saying, “One day, I hope the Pasig River will be as iconic as the Seine in Paris or the Chao Phraya in Bangkok.”

Vision for the future

The Pasig River Esplanade is a 25-kilometer urban redevelopment project that spans across Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati, Pasig and Taguig.

Spearheaded by the Marcos administration, the project aims to transform the riverbanks into vibrant recreational, commercial and ecological zones.

Drawing inspiration from world-renowned waterfronts like the Seine in Paris and the Thames in London, the esplanade features pedestrian-friendly pathways, bike lanes, boardwalks, green spaces and commercial hubs, creating a space for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

Coordinated approach

Recognizing the need for a coordinated approach, President Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 35 on 25 July 2023.

This order established the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development, led by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.