First Family turns the page on Pasig River with multifaceted redevelopment project
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the inauguration of the Pasig River Esplanade Project Phase 1 on Sunday in Manila. The project is part of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli undertaking of the national government.
Ryan Baldemor / PPA Pool
The much-anticipated Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) redevelopment project is on the cusp of completion, with Phase 3 of the Pasig River Esplanade set to officially open on Monday, 17 February.
The multi-dimensional, multi-phase undertaking has long been a priority for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, with the President even lending his initials to the initiative.
Aimed at transforming the long-polluted waterway into a dynamic hub for tourism, commerce, and sustainable transport, the rehabilitation of the historic waterway is at the center of the Marcos administration's urban renewal strategy.
In July 2023, Marcos signed Executive Order No. 35, which formally established the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development, vesting it with the authority to develop and implement a comprehensive Pasig River Urban Development Plan.
The Council, chaired by Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, coordinates efforts to rehabilitate the Pasig River and surrounding communities — ensuring easements are upheld, informal settlers are humanely relocated, heritage sites are preserved, and sustainable economic opportunities are fostered.
“This project isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about reclaiming a national treasure and ensuring it serves the people,” President Marcos Jr. said during the project’s unveiling.
In January 2024, the government inaugurated the PBBM Project Showcase Area behind the Manila Central Post Office, marking a significant milestone in the redevelopment. By June, authorities had extended the esplanade an additional 500 meters toward Plaza Mexico, effectively linking it to Intramuros.
The centerpiece of this expansion is a 100-meter view deck above newly opened commercial pop-up shops, which has rapidly become a popular destination for residents and tourists alike. At night, the water fountains and Filipino-themed statues are highlighted by creative lighting, offering a vibrant and visually striking panorama along the river.
Photo courtesy of PCO
The First Lady's touch
The project has also drawn the active involvement of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who emphasized the need to balance modern infrastructure with preserving cultural heritage.
“Every detail matters in this project — from accessibility to the cultural narrative we’re building along the riverbanks,” she said during an inspection of the redevelopment site in April 2024.
In a September 2024 Instagram post, Araneta-Marcos shared photos from a stakeholder meeting and expressed her excitement for the revamped esplanade.
“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,” she wrote.