President Marcos bared that he was advised to be cautious over what he called an "ambitious but worthwhile" Pasig River development project as it could become a "barometer" of his political career.
But he was unfazed. He would either "go big or go home," he said.
In his speech during the inauguration of the project dubbed "Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli" on Wednesday night, Jan. 17, he said he was told to be cautious about the project as it could later be used to define his presidency.
"I have been advised that I should be cautious about linking the fate of this river to my political fortunes that I refrain from upholding as an icon of Bagong Pilipinas drive, this project that we are opening today. Because it could be dangerous. It could be a dangerous barometer should this project fail," the President shared.
"But I will not be deterred from placing a bet in this endeavor because the presidency is about attaining the grant and not wasting mandates on the betting," he pointed out.
"Kagaya ng laging pinapaalala sa'tin ng ating butihing kalihim ng DHSUD (Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development): Go big or go home (Like what our DHSUD secretary always tells me: Go big or go home)."
Marcos also said that the Filipino people must "not expect any half-hearted commitments" from him, saying "in everything I do, I am all fully in."
He made an emphasis on this as he recognized that the development of the Pasig River, which had been undergoing decades-long of rehabilitation, will be a long journey and more time would be needed to revive it.
"Hindi po ito (This is not just a) ningas kugon na kampanya o flavor of the month lang (campaign or just flavor of the month), this will be pursued relentlessly," he said.
The Chief Executive said there will be scheduled milestones "that will be strictly met from government agencies who are under orders to submit progress reports, to local government units along Pasig River, to MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority), DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), to DHSUD."
"I asked for a quarterly and yearly report submitted to my office because I want to see this prototype of redevelopment of Pasig River right here, right now produce in sustainable speed and sustainable focus up to its final and logical conclusion," he said.
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.
READ MORE: Marcos opens 'ambitious' Pasig River showcase area in Manila