Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan vowed to support the Pasig River project launched by President Marcos on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The project was dubbed “Pasig Bigyan Buhay Muli." It is a rehabilitation and development project for the Pasig River that will cover the entire 25-kilometer stretch of the river.
It is also an urban development project that seeks to transform Pasig River into a center of economic activity as well as promote transport connectivity in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The city government said that its showcase area behind the post office spans almost 500 meters and will serve as a public park. It has a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform that is equipped with a water fountain and a lighting accent.
Lacuna-Pangan, together with City Engineer Armand Andres, City Electrician Randy Sadac, and Department of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts-Manila (DTCAM) Chief Charlie Dungo, were present during the launching.
Lacuna-Pangan said she agrees with President Marcos when he said that the project is a worthwhile venture that should push through.
"Sabi ni President Bongbong, magandang project na dapat ma-continue. Pagtulungan daw namin. Of course, I said 'yes,' especially since the project will also redound to the benefit of the city (President Bongbong said, It's a good project that should be continued. We are supposed to work together. Of course, I said yes)," Lacuna said.
"Tourism kasi ang maglalagay ng mga resto dun. Added income sa city. Saka buong stretch ng Pasig River 'yun. Meron ding housing 'yung tatamaan ng rehabilitation (the tourism department will be the one who will put restaurants there. It can add income to the city. Besides, it's the whole stretch of the Pasig River. There is also housing that will be affected by the rehabilitation,” she added.
Around 10,000 informal settlers will be affected by the project but Housing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar assured that they would be assisted through the government's housing program.
The mayor also said that even the First Lady, who sat beside her, expressed excitement over the project as it will be carried out at no cost to the city government since the private sector will be financing it.
The city government said that the inauguration is part of the first phase of the comprehensive, multi-agency urban renewal project, which will be spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development, which costs P18 billion and is targeted for completion in three years, Acuzar said,
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) are the national governments that will spearhead the project.