Pasig River Phl’s lifeblood, then and now, says Marcos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the unveiling of Phase 3 of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Pasig River redevelopment project on Thursday, following a weather-related delay that pushed back the original 17 February launch date.

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairperson Romando Artes, and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla joined the President at the event.

The President’s address was preceded by a symbolic walk along the banks of the Pasig River — from the Manila Central Post Office building to Fort Santiago — and was followed by a ceremonial button-pressing and a fireworks display set against the dusky Manila skyline.

“Nature reminded us once more who is truly in charge,” Marcos said, referencing last week’s bad weather. “But nature has also taught us that patience and perseverance are rewarded. So here we are, a week later, more than ready to unveil Phase 3 of the Pasig River Urban Development Project.”

Marcos underscored the river’s historical role as the “lifeblood” of the capital, saying, “[the Pasig River] played a role in our nation’s history in terms of commerce, transportation, a source of food and water.”

He affirmed his administration’s commitment to restore the Pasig River and called its rehabilitation central to his urban renewal strategy.

“When we began this journey last year, I promised the First Lady that I would be fully supportive of the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli project,” he said. “Our mission is simple, but it is difficult — to bring the river back to its pristine state, to make it a vibrant waterway once again for life, culture, and mobility.”

The multi-phase project seeks to reclaim the once-polluted Pasig River and transform it into a hub of tourism, commerce, and sustainable transport.

In July 2023, Marcos signed Executive Order 35 establishing the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD).

Chaired by Secretary Acuzar, the council is tasked with improving the water quality, resettling informal settlers, protecting easements, and integrating cultural and economic development along the river’s banks. Thursday’s unveiling built on previous milestones.

In January 2024, the government inaugurated the PBBM Project Showcase Area behind the Manila Central Post Office. By June, authorities had extended the esplanade 500 meters toward Plaza Mexico, effectively linking it to Intramuros.

Central to the expansion is a 100-meter view deck above new commercial pop-up shops, which quickly became a popular destination for residents and tourists.

“The First Lady and I are keeping an eye on the progress of this vital project,” Marcos said. “I am certain her interest in history and culture has enriched this initiative, ensuring that the Pasig River becomes integral to our collective identity.”