President Marcos has inaugurated the Pasig River urban development project in Manila which aims to transform the river into a center of economic activity, tourism, and transportation connectivity within the metropolis.
Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and several government officials led the opening of the Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area project dubbed "Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli" on Wednesday night, Jan. 17.
The President labeled the project as "ambitious but worthwhile," recognizing the benefits it would provide after years-long of development.
"We are here to consecrate ourselves to the mission of transforming Pasig River to what it is supposed to be—a living river of multiple benefits for the multitude, featuring safe walkways and bikeways along its banks, a green corridor that would serve as lungs for our city’s needs, a string of parks for communities nearby," Marcos said in his speech.
"Along that 25-kilometer stretch will judiciously sprout commercial enterprises run by the best stewards and the strangers stakeholders of the river’s development–the people themselves," he added.
The showcase area, spanning almost 500 meters behind the Manila Central Post Office building, is part of the initial phase of the multi-agency urban renewal project spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD).
It will serve as a public park consisting of a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform equipped with sitting areas and can also serve as an open-air venue for events.
Recreational and wellness amenities such as public parks and jogging and bike paths will also be constructed in key areas along the 25-kilometer stretch of the river, which traverses 11 cities in the metropolis.
The President stressed that the project is envisioned to be civic spaces where children can play, senior citizens can relax, families can exercise, and artists can showcase their talents and works.
"We will also maximize this ready-to-use but underutilized maritime highway by deploying more ferryboats and stations because if you build them, the riders will come," he said.
The IAC-PRUD's master plan, meanwhile, includes the relocation of informal settler families (ISFs) who currently reside along river banks. The relocation of ISFs will be undertaken by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
The showcase area will ensure seamless connectivity from Manila Bay's north harbor to Laguna de Bay.
With this project, Marcos said the government envisions Pasig River to play a significant role in economic development activities in the metropolis similar to the waterways in other major cities in the world, like the Thames River in London, the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and the Seine River in Paris.
According to DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Azucar, who chairs the IAC-PRUD, the entire project is expected to be completed within three years, while the promenade will become walkable in two years.
"Malaking bagay yun kasi itong promenade na ito (This promenade is a big thing), not only a promenade its a functional walkway. Hindi lang beautification ito, functional beautification na pagdudugtunggin natin yung mga city sa pamamagitan ng pagbibisikleta at paglakad nang mabilis (This is not just beautification, this is functional beautification that would connect cities through biking and walking)," Acuzar said in an interview.
Acuzar disclosed that the project would cost P18 billion which will be funded through donations, and not government funds.
Meanwhile, the project would displace around 10,000 families. The DHSUD chief said while the project is ongoing, resettlement will be provided to affected ISFs.
On July 25, 2023, Marcos issued Executive Order 35, mandating the "rehabilitation of the Pasig River to its historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism." The IAC-PRUD developed a master plan for the rehabilitation project which was subsequently approved.