Limping 800 meters on sheer will

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos revealed Monday that she attended the launch of Phase 3 of the Pasig River Esplanade project despite battling severe eye allergies and suffering a painful fall earlier in the day.

In a social media post, Mrs. Marcos shared that she had woken up with a terrible allergic reaction, forcing her to miss an event she had been looking forward to. The day then took another bad turn, she recounted.

“What a day! I woke up with terrible eye allergies, had to miss a TOYM event that I was looking forward to, and then — just when I thought it couldn’t get worse — I slipped on the pavement and landed hard on my left side. Ouch!” she wrote.

Despite the setbacks, the First Lady said she remained determined to attend the much-anticipated launch of the Pasig River Esplanade Phase 3, describing how she limped over 800 meters to Plaza de Armas at Fort Santiago to witness the project’s progress.

“I wasn’t sure if I could make it to the Pasig River launch, but with God’s grace and a whole lot of willpower, I managed to walk (or more accurately, limp) 800 meters to Plaza de Armas in Fort Santiago. Whew!” she shared.

Mrs. Marcos reaffirmed her commitment to revitalizing the Pasig River, not just as a functional waterway but as a vibrant space for Filipinos.

“From the very start of this journey, we made a promise to breathe life back into the Pasig River — not just as a waterway, but as a place where people can gather, dream, and thrive,” she said.

The newly opened phase features open spaces, scenic walkways for biking, and a beautiful esplanade — a testament to the administration’s vision of making the historic river a hub for both recreation and heritage appreciation.

The First Lady expressed her joy at seeing the transformation take shape, noting how people are already enjoying the space.

“It fills my heart to see children playing freely, families making precious memories, and our heritage shining once more,” she said, adding that six more phases are still in the works.

She also extended her gratitude to those who contributed to the project’s realization: “I need to send out a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who helped turn this dream into reality!”

Beyond her advocacy for environmental and heritage conservation, Mrs. Marcos has also been actively engaging with key leaders.

Recently, she met with the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) ASEAN, where she lauded their passion, vision, and belief in the country’s future.

“Loved meeting the amazing leaders of YPO ASEAN! Your passion, vision, and belief in our country truly inspire us. Grateful for the energy you bring, and so excited for the opportunities we can create together!” she shared.

With her unwavering dedication and hands-on involvement, Mrs. Marcos continues to be at the forefront of initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and preserving the nation’s cultural and environmental heritage.