First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos announced that the Philippine government and United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based nonprofit Clean Rivers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to clear and revive the vital Pasig River waterway.

Marcos announced this as she delivered a Special Address at the ‘Collaborative Models for Development Forum’ during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, UAE on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

In her speech, the First Lady casually mentioned that she witnessed the signing of the MOU between the Philippines and Clean Rivers earlier that day.

"Thanks to the assistance provided by the UAE, especially Clean Rivers, which is an Erth Zayed initiative, thank you very much, again, we just signed the MOU earlier," she said.

"We will be able to clean our river and, hopefully, make it a showcase, much like the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok or the Seine in Paris," she added.

According to Marcos, she hoped the improvements would be completed in time for the country's hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in 2026.

"This is another project where government and private sector work together to refurbish public spaces and instill pop-up eateries for the enjoyment of all," she said.

"Hopefully, these improvements will be completed in time for our country's hosting of the ASEAN next year," she added.

In a Facebook post, Special Envoy to the United Arab Emirates for Trade and Investments Kathryna Yu-Pimentel said the UAE, through the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, donated $20 million for the Pasig River rehabilitation efforts.

The partnership will focus on preventative and corrective solutions to rehabilitate the waterway while creating socio-economic opportunities for local communities.

The Erth Zayed Philanthropies, launched by UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2024, is designed to consolidate and amplify the UAE's global humanitarian and development efforts.

In her speech, the First Lady lamented how the Pasig River had been ignored over the years.

"This bustling 27-kilometer river has had a cultural and economic significance to our people. Unfortunately, no one really took care of the river and its environs," she said.

"And over the years, it has become a site for sore eyes. It was polluted, dirty, stinky, and every other adjective you could think of," she added.

She noted how her husband, President Marcos, formed the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development in 2023 to clean, fix, dredge, and revitalize the historic Pasig River.

"Various government agencies would meet regularly with the sole purpose of finding ways and means to bring a river back to life," First Lady Liza said.

"Slowly but surely, we were able to construct an esplanade where everyone from all walks of life could bike, stroll, break bread along the river," she added.

In June last year, or five months after its initial launch, President Marcos inaugurated Phase 1C of the Pasig River Urban Development Project (PRUDP) showcase area. It is part of the ongoing “Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli” project.

Phase 1C marked the completion of the 500-meter showcase area of the PRUDP Manila Old Downtown Segment. The added 250-meter development connected the existing esplanade from Jones Bridge to Plaza Mexico and Fort Santiago in Intramuros.  

Phase 1C focused on functional development that includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, commercial zones, and green spaces, featuring leasable stalls for food and retail stores, walkways, bike lanes, and a boardwalk that aims to add vibrance, drive tourism, and generate income.

Collaboration

First Lady Liza highlighted the importance of the collaboration between the government and the private sector in improving the lives of the people.

"Genuine cooperation between government and the private sector can help achieve change that is sustainable, meaningful, and inclusive," she said.

"As I've always said, government cannot do it alone. We need to work closely with the private sector if we are going to make a meaningful change," she added.

Aside from the Pasig River rehabilitation initiative, the First Lady cited as an example her LAB for ALL program which aims to bridge the gap in the country's healthcare system, especially in the 7,063 Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), with the help of the private sector.

"Every week we select a city and bring laboratory services to the communities via mobile clinics. We are accompanied by several doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel who volunteer their services for free," Marcos said.

"They go around the nearby areas and provide free medical and dental services, plus medicines and vitamins to communities where access to medical equipment and other resources are limited. This is in keeping with the words of my husband when he says that government must bring medical services to the people and not the other way around," she added.

The First Lady noted how the LAB for ALL caravan evolved from providing free medical services to also offering business mentorships, legal services, scholarships, seedlings for farmers, and much more.

"Eventually, our LAB for ALL project became a one-stop shop for all sorts of services, and I can't even begin to tell you how heartwarming it is when you see the grateful smiles of the thousands of beneficiaries that come to our program," she said.

"This wouldn't have been made possible were it not for the collaborative help of our private sector partners who happily shared their resources to make this project a success," she added.

First Lady Liza likewise shared her experience as a law professor in different parts of the country. She recalled wanting to teach the same batch of students from their first to last year.

"By teaching the same batch of students for four consecutive years, I witnessed the transformation of my students from shy, nervous freshmen to confident seniors who can parry questions thrown their way," she said.

"It's always gratifying to see how education can empower the youth and how it can prepare them for the challenges in the future," she added.