President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for being the “driving force” behind the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) project, which aims to restore the Pasig River as a symbol of urban renewal and national pride.

During the launch of Phase 4 of the Pasig River Urban Development Project on Sunday at the Lawton Ferry Station in Manila, the President said his wife has been instrumental in pushing for the rehabilitation and beautification of the historic waterway.

“This project continues to move forward — thanks to our most industrious and non-stop energizer bunny, the First Lady,” Marcos said. “You inspire me and everybody else every day.”

He said that Mrs. Marcos closely monitors the progress of the project, often asking for updates late at night, reflecting her personal commitment to see the river “flow with hope, with life, and with pride.”

The Phase 4 development covers a 530-meter stretch from the Manila Central Post Office to Arroceros Forest Park, featuring walkways, bike lanes, and commercial spaces designed to promote recreation, tourism, and livelihood opportunities.

Engineer Ken Camarao, project manager from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation, said the latest phase will enhance accessibility to key Manila landmarks such as Quiapo Church, Fort Santiago and Arroceros Park.

“It’s important that different places in Manila are connected. With the new esplanade, people can easily go to cultural spots like Quiapo, which attracts thousands of visitors daily,” Camarao said.

According to the President, between 6,000 and 10,000 people have visited the earlier phases of the esplanade, and this number is expected to grow as more sections are completed. The site also offers commercial spaces for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) to help generate local jobs and boost tourism.

The project recently received international recognition as one of the recipients of the 2025 Asian Townscape Award from the UN-Habitat of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme for its sustainable design and revitalization of the river’s banks into a recreational and cultural hub.

“The First Lady doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, but I must thank her for her passion, her drive, and her energy,” the President said.

He thanked the agencies and partners involved, including the Department of Tourism, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Manila city government.

“When the national government, the private sector, local governments, and communities work as one, great and game-changing things happen,” he said.