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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Pasig River revival gains UN award for sustainable urban development

Pasig River revival gains UN award for sustainable urban development

Published Oct 11, 2025 04:12 pm

At A Glance

  • The Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project earned the 2025 Asian Townscape Award from the United Nations.
  • The recognition highlights the country's push for sustainable and inclusive urban development.
  • A two-kilometer section of the revived Pasig River has opened as one of Manila's new attractions.
(Photo by Mark Balmores/MB)
(Photo by Mark Balmores/MB)
The Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli (PBBM) Project, a flagship initiative of President Marcos has received international recognition after the United Nations named it one of the recipients of the 2025 Asian Townscape Award for excellence in urban design and sustainable development.
The UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific informed the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD) of the recognition following a jury deliberation held in Japan.
To be conferred on Nov. 27 in Hong Kong, the award underscores the Philippines’ efforts to restore and modernize the Pasig River through the PBBM Project, which promotes sustainable and inclusive urban development.
Supervised by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Pasig River Urban Development, led by Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, the project aims to transform the historic waterway and its surroundings into vibrant recreational, cultural, and commercial spaces that advance urban revitalization and improve transport connectivity.
Features include bike lanes, jogging paths, and pocket commercial areas along the 26-kilometer stretch of the river, enhancing access to open spaces while creating new economic opportunities for nearby communities.
A two-kilometer section—from behind the Manila Central Post Office to Fort Santiago in Intramuros—has already opened to the public and has quickly become one of the city’s newest attractions for residents and visitors.
Ongoing construction for the next phases highlights the Marcos administration’s continuing commitment to building sustainable and livable cities across the country.

Related Tags

Pasig River PBBM project United Nations Asian Townscape Award sustainable development
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