MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to bring back to life the famed Pasig River “to what it is supposed to be,” as he led the ceremonial opening of the Pasig River Urban Development Project in the City of Manila.
The initiative, also known as ‘Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli’ (PBBM), aims to transform Pasig River into a center of economic activity and tourism, as well as promote transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.
“We are here to blaze a path forward for this national asset. We are here to reject the defeatist view that the Pasig River is beyond redemption,” Marcos said during the event attended by members of Congress, Cabinet officials, and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
“We are here to consecrate ourselves to the mission of transforming Pasig River to what it is supposed to be — a living river with benefits to the multitude featuring safe walkways and bikeways along its banks, a green corridor that will serve as lungs for our city’s needs, a string of parks for communities nearby,” he added.
The inauguration was held at a showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office building, a 500-meter area that is part of the initial phase of the comprehensive, multi-agency urban renewal project spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), chaired by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Azucar.
First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos is also involved in the initiative.
The newly-constructed showcase area will feature a public park consisting of a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform equipped with water fountain accented by lighting, and sitting areas which can also serve as an open-air venue for events.
Dubbing the undertaking as “ambitious but worthwhile,” the President brushed off concerns that the Pasig River development project could become a “barometer” of his legacy as leader.
“I have been advised that I should be cautious about linking the fate of this river to my political fortunes that I refrain from upholding as an icon of Bagong Pilipinas drive, this project that we are opening today. Because it could be dangerous. It could be a dangerous barometer should this project fail,” he said.
“But I will not be deterred from placing a bet in this endeavor because the presidency is about attaining the grant and not wasting mandates on the betting,” he added.
To recall, Marcos on July 25, 2023 issued Executive Order 35 mandating the “rehabilitation of the Pasig River to its historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation, and tourism.”
The Pasig River Urban Development Project, also known as ‘Pasig Bigyang Buhay Muli’ (PBBM), is a significant initiative led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revitalize the Pasig River in the City of Manila. The project aims to transform the river into a thriving center of economic activity and tourism, while also improving transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.
During the ceremonial opening of the project, President Marcos Jr. expressed his administration’s commitment to rehabilitate the Pasig River and reject the notion that it is beyond redemption. He emphasized the importance of transforming the river into a living ecosystem that benefits the community, with safe walkways and bikeways along its banks, a green corridor that serves as the lungs of the city, and a string of parks for nearby communities.
The inauguration took place at a showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office building, which is part of the initial phase of the comprehensive urban renewal project. Led by the Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig River Urban Development (IAC-PRUD), chaired by Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Rizalino Azucar, the project brings together various government agencies and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
The showcase area, which has been newly constructed, features a public park with a pedestrian-friendly walkway on a concrete platform. The park is equipped with a water fountain accented by lighting and provides sitting areas that can also serve as an open-air venue for events. This development not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also creates a space for recreational activities and community gatherings.
Addressing concerns about the project’s impact on his political legacy, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the ambitious nature of the undertaking but remained determined to pursue its success. He emphasized that the presidency is about achieving progress and not shying away from taking calculated risks.
The Pasig River Urban Development Project holds significance not only for its potential economic and tourism benefits but also for its contribution to environmental sustainability. By revitalizing the Pasig River, the project aims to restore the river to its historically pristine condition, making it conducive to transport, recreation, and tourism.
President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to this endeavor, along with the involvement of First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos, highlights the importance of the project to the nation’s development. With the implementation of Executive Order 35, which mandates the rehabilitation of the Pasig River, the government is taking concrete steps towards realizing the vision of a vibrant and thriving Pasig River that benefits both the present and future generations.
Source: The Manila Times
