(photo: DHSUD)
Instagrammable Pasig River? Why not.
Pasig River, which was once declared as biologically dead and one of the most polluted rivers in the world, will soon be transformed into a tourist attraction and effective alternative transportation system in Metro Manila.
This is according to the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) as it laid down the general plan for the rehabilitation of the Metro Manila river system with history of failed revitalization programs.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who also chairs the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), said the ongoing rehabilitation will be functional since the main objective is to boost tourism and transportation connectivity in Metro Manila.
“It is more than just a beautification project. We intend to implement functional development along the Pasig River that will promote tourism and transportation connectivity for the benefit of ordinary Filipinos,” said Acuzar.
A glimpse of what Pasig River would be, according to Acuzar, was the Jan. 17 inauguration of the initial the initial phase of the project, which included a showcase area and pedestrian walkway at the back of the iconic Manila Central Post Office.
Citing reports from their personnel, Acuzar said the showcase area has been attracting numerous people from all walks of life and featured in social and mainstream media since then.
The plan
The ongoing rehabilitation is under the Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) and has secured commitment from the First Couple, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
The project aims to transform Pasig River into a center of tourism and economic activity, while also helping address traffic issues in the cities along the river by creating a seamless connection between road and water transport.
Acuzar said the project is divided into nine sections traversing across several cities in the metropolis that intersect the river, from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay.
“When completed, pedestrians and bikers can travel through the entire 25-kilometer stretch of the pathway with seamless connectivity,” said Acuzar.
“Commuters can also transition from surface roads to water transport through bridge-walks, which will be constructed at major points that will serve as pickup and drop-off points for the water ferries,” he added.
In addition, eight other showcase areas similar to the one recently constructed at the back of the Manila Central Post Office will be built along the banks of the river.
Acuzar said the goal is to provide people with the ideal environment to enjoy a day or evening with their family or friends in a well-lit open-space, park-like setting.
World-class level
Acuzar said the entire project is estimated to be completed in three to five years and will also be funded through private donations.
If done right, Acuzar said the ongoing revitalization project would elevate the Pasig River the level of other major waterways in the world such as the Thames River in London, the Chao Phraya in Bangkok and the Seine River in Paris.
“Notable among these waterways, aside from being popular tourist attractions, are the commercial and mixed-use developments that surround it,” Acuzar said.
“That’s what we want to see around Pasig River. We want to bring back its old glory and its place in history restored, but also breathe new life into it by bringing new and functional development around it,” he added.