First Family turns the page on Pasig River with multifaceted redevelopment project

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.

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.

The First Lady highlighted some of the project’s major attractions, including Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade, and the Fort Santiago Riverwalk, noting that these areas are “coming to life, ready to welcome everyone with open arms.”

All hands on deck

As part of the redevelopment, informal settlers along the riverbanks were relocated by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), making way for this multi-agency urban renewal effort led by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD).

First Lady Araneta-Marcos expressed her enthusiasm for the project, saying, “Let’s gather together, take a stroll, and fall in love with the Pasig River all over again.” She also praised the team’s efforts to bring the vision to life, describing the result as “truly beautiful.”

The government aims to position the Pasig River as a hub for tourism and recreation, drawing inspiration from famous rivers such as the Seine in Paris, the Thames in London, and the Chao Phraya in Bangkok. The rehabilitation is set to enhance the river’s potential, offering a space for leisure, culture, and historical appreciation for both Filipinos and visitors.

Phl-UAE ink MOUs for river dev

In a related development, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to advance the restoration and development of the river. These agreements —announced by the First Lady — outline a collaboration with the UAE’s Clean Rivers Abu Dhabi, aiming to restore the river to its pristine condition.

Clean Rivers is dedicated to tackling plastic pollution in river systems by fostering sustainable circular economies, empowering communities, and driving innovative solutions to create plastic-free waterways. Its vision of a world free from plastic waste aligns with local priorities for the Pasig River redevelopment, as it channels funding and resources into impactful solutions that prevent plastic pollution at the source.

Araneta-Marcos, who was in Dubai on 13 February representing the Philippines at Climate Adaptability & Energy Forum during the World Governments Summit 2025, took the opportunity administration's efforts to revitalize the waterway.

She credited Acuzar's inter-agency committee for overseeing the river’s rehabilitation and acknowledged the vital support from the Clean Rivers initiative in restoring its natural beauty.

"Slowly but surely, we were able to construct an esplanade where everyone, from all walks of life, can bike, stroll, and break bread along the river," she shared, expressing optimism that the project will be a showcase for the Philippines during its hosting of the ASEAN Summit in 2026.

As the PBBM showcase area prepares to open on 17 February, the public eagerly awaits what promises to be a revitalized, vibrant hub that celebrates both the heritage and the future of the Pasig River.