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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider First Lady Liza eyes safer, cleaner Pasig River Esplanade for locals, tourists

First Lady Liza eyes safer, cleaner Pasig River Esplanade for locals, tourists

Published Jan 11, 2026 07:24 am  |  Updated Jan 11, 2026 01:58 pm
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos leads an inter-agency meeting at Centro de Turismo Intramuros on Jan. 5, 2026, to discuss the turnover and management of kiosks at the Pasig River Esplanade, as part of ongoing efforts to make the riverside area cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for locals and tourists. (Marcos/IG)
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos leads an inter-agency meeting at Centro de Turismo Intramuros on Jan. 5, 2026, to discuss the turnover and management of kiosks at the Pasig River Esplanade, as part of ongoing efforts to make the riverside area cleaner, safer, and more welcoming for locals and tourists. (Marcos/IG)
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos said plans are taking shape to make the Pasig River Esplanade safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for both residents and visitors, as preparations continue for a refreshed riverside space in Manila.
In an Instagram post, the First Lady said recent discussions focused on how small, practical improvements can significantly enhance the overall experience at the esplanade.
“Slowly but surely, things are coming together for the Pasig River Esplanade!” the First Lady wrote on Friday, Jan. 9.
She said the goal is to make the area more organized and enjoyable while supporting local merchants and ensuring that the space remains safe and clean.
“We met and discussed how the little things can make a big difference. How to make the esplanade more welcoming, more organized, and more enjoyable for locals and tourists alike,” Araneta-Marcos said.
“From supporting our local merchants to making sure the space feels safe and clean. Can’t wait to see our plans come alive,” she added.
The post followed an inter-agency meeting on Jan. 5 at Centro de Turismo Intramuros that tackled the planned turnover and management of kiosks along the Pasig River Esplanade.
The meeting brought together government agencies involved in the project to align plans on operations, vendor management, and site readiness.

‘New look’ for the esplanade

The Jan. 5 meeting builds on earlier planning sessions led by the First Lady, where she previewed a “new look” for the Pasig River Esplanade set to debut later this month.
In a Dec. 3 Instagram post, Araneta-Marcos said the redesign aims to create cleaner, more welcoming riverside spaces where families can gather and take pride in Manila’s heritage corridor.
“These may seem like simple improvements, but they create spaces where families can gather, relax, and feel proud of our heritage,” she said at the time.
Planned upgrades include new kiosks, improved waste management, and dedicated rest areas designed to transform the esplanade into a vibrant public space.

Cleaner riverside, organized vendors

During earlier presentations to the First Lady, Intramuros officials reported that more than 10,900 volunteers have joined the Cleantramuros campaign, which promotes “clean as you go” practices and community-led cleanup drives.
Proposed improvements for the esplanade include standardized booth designs, concealed electrical works, stricter food-safety protocols, and uniform operating hours to maintain a consistent look across the area.
A zoning plan was also presented, designating areas for quick snacks, anchor merchants, regional cuisine, desserts, and coffee, as well as a dedicated space for live performances and busking.
At present, 115 vendors operate along the Pasig River Esplanade, including 20 accredited by the Intramuros Administration and 95 under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
The redesign seeks to better organize merchant clusters, upgrade kiosks, and ensure compliance with electrical and food-handling safety standards proposed by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the project’s design partner.
A calendar of monthly themes, ranging from Chinese New Year and Valentine’s celebrations early in the year to Noche Buena and Simbang Gabi offerings toward December, is also planned to make the esplanade a year-round cultural and gastronomic destination.

Related Tags

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Liza Araneta-Marcos Pasig River Pasig River Esplanade
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