The local government of Cainta in Rizal is constructing a new esplanade along the Manggahan River that will not only provide a recreational area for residents but also protect waterways and prevent the rise of informal settlers, whose structures may contribute to flooding and public safety concerns.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto said in an interview with the PaMaMariSan-Rizal Press Corps that the project was initiated in January after noticing the rapid increase of houses along the dry parts of the river during the dry season.

He added that by constructing a dike and esplanade, a clear boundary will be established to prevent residents from building houses too close to the riverbanks.

The mayor emphasized that the project is LGU-funded, financed entirely by the local government, and did not use national funds.

"Ang esplanadeng ito ay hindi lamang para sa kagandahan ng ating lungsod kundi lalo na para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan (This esplanade is not only for the beautification of our city but, more importantly, for the safety of our residents),” the mayor said.

“Sa pamamagitan nito, maiiwasan din natin ang pagdami ng mga istraktura sa gilid ng floodway na maaaring magdulot ng mga problema kaugnay ng baha at kaligtasan ng publiko (This will also help prevent more structures from being built along the floodway, which may pose risks to flooding and public safety),” he added.

The ongoing esplanade construction along East Bank Road will stretch up to three kilometers, with a similar project planned for the West Bank. Once completed, the town is expected to have a total of seven kilometers of walking space, featuring a jogging path, bike lane, five-meter easement, and recreational areas.

While the project is ongoing, the local government planted Japanese bamboo at the edges of the community as a natural fence to prevent the further expansion of informal settlements along the riverbanks.

Nieto noted that the area is already being enjoyed by many, with senior citizens exercising and children playing on the playgrounds and carabao grass.

The local government also plans to install balustrades and sufficient lighting along the entire esplanade to ensure public safety at night.

Nieto said that although food stalls or kiosks may be allowed in the future, they will be strictly regulated and carefully controlled.

He added that priority will be given to local residents for livelihood purposes, helping maintain the order and visual appeal of the esplanade, which was modeled after recreational areas in Taiwan.

The project is part of the local government’s broader plan to protect waterways and promote an active lifestyle among the residents of Cainta.